Kelly Norris-Jones chats with Dugout Club rep John Santas before the game
The first EIU batters hit safely in tonight’s game and it was 4-0 before Illinois got someone out. It didn’t get much better as Eastern won in a 10-2 wipeout.
Justin Parr heads in to third
But let’s give Justin Parr some credit. He went 2 for 2 with a walk though there wasn’t anyone to drive him home. One of Illini’s runs came on a third-inning bases-loaded Willie Argo walk. Unfortunately, the rally stopped there.
Illinois used a total of seven pitchers, not that uncommon in these midweek games. Once Eastern got their scoring out of their system, the last five did pretty well giving up just one run in 5 2/3 innings.
It was my pleasure to introduce myself to Tom Shelton (above). I’ve mentioned this before but Shelton is student in the building where I work (though I haven’t run into him yet). As with almost all other Illinois baseball players that I’ve had a chance to meet, he carries himself with dignity and politeness. And as Dugout Club representative John Santas said regarding Shelton’s recent appearance in the media, the Illini coaches don’t cringe when the mic is put in front of him. He handles himself as well as he does with the bat.
Good to meet you. Thomas!
More photos from the game are here.
Next up
Michigan State comes to town this weekend. The big question is if the weather will permit all the games. Assuming it does, Friday’s game time is 6:05pm.