It was a tough game for the Illini though well played for the most part. And even for the casual uninvolved observer, a very engaging game for lack of a better term. The lead changed six times during the course of the nine innings (if you count ties). I mentioned to someone that the winner will be determined when only the nine innings are up. An obvious statement, of course, but you get what I’m trying to say.
Unfortunately, once the nine innings were up, Ohio State had the lead and won the game 10-7. And my statement’s sentiment didn’t really hold true. Illinois didn’t really score in the last third of the game, only putting one on the board in the seventh while OSU scored two each in the seventh and ninth each.
 |
 |
Homerun trots
That all said, kudos to the Illini (both teams actually) for plugging away and keeping in tight in this rollercoaster game. Homeruns by Casey McMurray (above left, who was 3 for 5) and Aaron Johnson (above right) plus efforts by Joe Bonadonna (5 for 5 for getting on base) and Pete Cappetta 2 for 3, double, an rbi and a run) kept Illinois in the game.
Illinois’ battery of Will Strack and Aaron Johnson
Our pitching was off but to fair, so was Ohio State’s. Will Strack has been great all year but the walks hurt him today especially in the 4th when he walked two (one for an run) and hit a batter.
OSU starter Dean Wolosiansky didn’t fare any better giving up four runs on nine hits and allowed four walks in 4 2/3 innings. It just wasn’t a pitcher’s day.
I will give credit where credit is due. Ohio State’s much heralded offense came to play today.
It was a good crowd though nothing like last night proving free food goes a long way. Official attendance was reported at 1538. And though the official report says it was cloudy, it actually was one of the best Saturday games we’ve had all year weather-wise (I know, that’s not saying a lot).
Photos are in the Photo Gallery. There’s even a smattering of photos of Buckeyes here and there for those OSU fans that visit this site.
Go Get ‘em Illini!!
Go Buckeyes,sounds like the windy was blowing out pretty good today.The guys needed this win very bad and get the job done. I agree that Dean W was not very good but Rucinski did a good job to hold down that Illini offense. Nice to see Justin Miller swing the bat well today.
Tomorrow is a big game for sure and Go Bucks!!
I spoke to Justin’s dad after the game. He and I met last year at the tournament.
oh and yes, it was windy. usually out to right.
there’s a photo of the flags in the gallery out in the center field wall that proves it.
someone asked me why I sometimes put a photo of the flags in the gallery. That’s why. It’s an easy way to show what kind of wind there was at the game. :)
Why did Ben Reeser not start yesterday? Our radio guys did not mention much about it at all? Was he injured or just a coach’s decsion? Awesome pics just like always and i have a new background photo thanks to you. The field you guys have looks so weird,i guess i am an old school baseball fan cause i love a NATURAL grass field. Lol!
the word is that Reeser was sick with food poisoning from the night before. I think I even heard he went to the ER.
He’s ok now and there was talk of him pitching today. We’ll see if that develops.
I’m still getting used to the field myself but the parents tell me that the players like it. except there is no dirt to play with.