The Illini broke a three game losing streak today by defeating the St Louis University Billikens 7-4 at Abe Martin Field in Carbondale. Corey Kimes pitched a fine game and 
some key offensive players came through with key hits.
Kimes (right) only allowed two earned runs in seven innings giving up only five hits. On top of that, the bullpen did their job. Bill Barrett and Wes Braun both pitched a scoreless inning each with Braun getting his first save of the year.
The offense did their part, too. The Illini were ahead for most of the game but St Louis did take a 4-3 lead in the top of the sixth. The Illinois lineup responded in the bottom of the inning by scoring three runs highlighted by a steal of home by Josh Parr and a rbi single by Brandon Hohl. That three-run rally put the team up for good. Hohl ended up with three rbis for the game.
Casey McMurray banged out three hits with two runs and two rbis. Adam Davis helped his pitcher’s cause by scoring twice on two hits.
We saw a couple of new faces in the lineup and they both responded to varying degrees. Pete Cappetta who hasn’t really been starting lately, was at DH and he came through with a hit and a steal. Thomas Lindauer who started his second game of the year, played second base and really had a good game. He went 2 for 4 with a run scored.
Random Ramblings
As a fan, it always makes me feel better when the Illini win. When they win after a tough series or a losing streak, it’s even better. Now, add to that the team we beat was 12-5. Perfect!
But more important than the fact they won was HOW they won. Good pitching (including bullpen), key hitting, and good defense. From all reports, it seemed to me that everything clicked. In other words, this win wasn’t an accident.
Hopefully, this will be a trending thing for the Illini. Not only is the conference season around the corner (Penn St is their first Big Ten victim on April 1) but the Illini are coming home. In less than a week, on Friday March 25, we get to see some action at Illinois Field for the first time.
Personally. I’m counting down the days!
Go Illini!