It was a wild and crazy one in Bloomington today.
Indiana continued to hit and scored 12 runs. Fortunately, Illinois had a blockbuster afternoon scoring 17 runs on the same amount of hits. Brandon Hohl hit two homers and drove in three runs. Final score: Illinois 17 Indiana 12.
The lead changed hands a quite a few times throughout the game. Each team nickel and dimed each other for the first few innings but Illinois had the lead 6-3 by the bottom of the fifth. That’s when Indiana had their big inning when they scored six runs giving them a three run lead. Illinois responded in the next inning by scoring seven of their own including one of Hohl’s homeruns, this one a two-run shot to left.
For good measure, Illinois added four more in the top of the ninth. This time, it was a Hohl double, a triple by Willie Argo and a double by Craig Lutes that did the damage.
Starter Kevin Johnson came out throwing hard (six strikeouts in four innings) but was also hit hard. He gave up six runs on seven hits in his four innings. Corey Kimes (left) was the one who managed to stop the Hoosier’s bats when he came in the 5th inning. He kept them scoreless for 2 2/3 innings. As a matter of fact, between the 8 pitchers on both teams, Kimes is the only one who did not give up a run. Pretty amazing considering the total amount of 29 runs scored. For that, Kimes deserves the win.
Besides Hohl, plenty of Illini had good days offensively. Argo drove in 3 rbis and scored twice. Craig Lutes hit a double and scored twice with two rbis. Casey McMurray got three hits including a double and scored three runs. DH Thomas Shelton was 3 for 6, hit a double and drove in three runs. Finally, Pete Cappetta continues to hit. He went 2 for 5 with 2 rbis.
Argo Watch: After Willie Argo reached base on a fielder’s choice in the 7th inning, he stole second base. That ties him with Kyle Hudson and Shawn Roof for the team single season record for stolen bases with 40.
Tomorrow is the very last regular game for the Illini this year. They take on Indiana at 12 noon. According to fightingillini.com, there is still a chance for the Illini to tie for sixth place.
Go Illini!
Update: Sixth place Iowa just defeated Purdue 7-2. That gives them an 11-11 record which I believe knocks Illinois out of tournament contention.