I was pleased to see that even in my absence, the Illini could win. In fact, this past weekend’s series against Michigan State seemed to be one of most thrilling baseball played at Illinois Field this year. The overall result? Illinois took the Spartans two games to one.
I even got reprimanded by my cousin when I pulled out my smartphone to check Sunday’s Illinois score during my family’s Easter dinner. I informed her what I was doing with naïve thought that it might make a difference with her.
“Baseball? They play baseball on Easter?”
Obviously not. I should have known better.
But I’m glad I did. It was quite a weekend.
Quick wrapups
Illinois lost Friday’s game (which was actually played Saturday due to weather) 8-5. The Spartans got off to a quick 4-0 lead by the second inning but the Illini rallied for four of their own runs in the fourth inning to tie the game. MSU took off from there though and doubled their score by the seventh inning. Final score 8-5. Justin Parr hit safely three times including a double. Brandon Hohl and Davis Hendrickson both got 
two hits and Willie Argo (left) hit his third homer of the year (one of Hendrickson’s went out, too).
Saturday’s game played was the second game of the doubleheader. Wow, John Anderson was really on! He pitched a complete game win allowing just six hits and a typical 0 walks (he did hit two batters, though). That gives him a 4-5 record though. I really like John and not just because he’s a Cub fan. When he’s in a groove, no one can hit him.
Adam Davis hit HIS third homer of the year that game. Once again, Justin Parr collected two hits. Argo went two for three with two ribbies and two runs scored. The Illini scored five runs, just enough for them to win, 5-2.
But Sunday’s game! The comeback game was the one that topped them all.
Score by Innings R H E ------------------------------------------- Michigan State...... 100 030 400 - 8 13 1 Illinois............ 300 006 20X - 11 14 2
Down 4-3 in sixth, Illinois came through with a six-run rally to go ahead for good. That was fueled by a Pete Cappetta 2-run double followed up by a Justin Parr rbi double.
MSU threatened again in the seventh scoring four more runs making it 9-8. Kudos go to Luke Joyce who shut them down and Wes Braun who closed the game out for his fifth save. Final score 11-8.
Matt Dittman got three hits Sunday and Argo once again produced by hitting his fourth homer of the year and driving home three.
For his effort this weekend, Willie Argo was honored by the Big Ten. He is this week’s Big Ten Player of the Week.
Next up
I’m going to forego this midweek’s previews due to lack of time. Tuesday’s game is against Illinois-Springfield. Game time is at 6:05pm. Wednesday’s game is a rematch against Bradley at Illinois Field. Wednesday’s game time is also at 6:05pm.
The in-the-park home run by Adam Davis was pretty cool. According to the radio analysts, the last one in the park was also hit by a catcher, also named Davis, back in 2007. Lars Davis (at ISU, I believe they said).
Wow, I didn’t know that.
Lars Davis and 2007 seems so long ago. :)