I really hope you came to the park last night. If you missed Illinois’ exciting 13-9 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes, you missed, in my guess, one of the best games of past few years. It ranks up their with our win against the same Ohio State team two years ago and even the famed Michigan State game of 2007 (if you ever want to read up on that just do a search on this site using the keyword “Woo hoo”).
When Ohio State scored four run in the top of the first inning, it looked like it might be one those games. But when the Illini came back in the bottom of the first and scored three of their own, it looked more like it would be one of THOSE games. And you know what I mean.
Adam Davis beats the throw to home and scores in the second inning.
It wasn’t until the top of the fourth inning when a team held the other scoreless. By then, Ohio State had the lead, 9-7. Each time Ohio State managed to put runs on the board, Illinois followed suit, keeping close enough. The irony of it was that from Kevin Johnson’s perspective, he was getting rocked hard but the offense was really coming through for him.
Four Innings
Johnson was done after 2 2/3 innings and Will Strack (above) took over for him. There are many heroes for this game but Will is a big one. After the Buckeyes scored 9 runs in three innings, we didn’t know what was in store. Will Strack came in for four innings and shut down the Buckeyes on two hits. Those nine runs would be all that the Buckeyes would score for the game. Chris Pack and Wes Braun finished off the game with a combined 2 1/3 innings of scoreless and hitless ball.
Four Runs
Pete Cappetta drives home two runs in the sixth inning.
Before the game, I shook Pete Cappetta’s hand and told him “You’re going to win this game”. All he said was “Yes we will, sir”. It’s almost like he took it as a direct order. It was his two-run basehit that put Illinois up for good in the key sixth inning. The Fighting Illini scored four runs that inning off of new Buckeyes pitcher Jared Strayer who relieved starter Drew Rucinski. Strayer began the inning by hitting Adam Davis then giving up a double to Brandon Hohl. Casey McMurray and Willie Argo both singled. Argo’s single tied game. Josh Parr walk which set up Cappetta’s two-run single.
Every starter in the lineup had at least one hit and at least one rbi or run scored. Justin Parr, Brandon Hohl and Casey McMurray all had three hits apiece. Parr and McMurray drove in three and Adam Davis scored three.
The Illini faithful stand for the last out.
There were 2019 people in attendance last night. It’s by far the largest crowd this year but I don’t think it surpasses the crowd we had two years ago.
There are lots more of my photos here.
Oh one more photo… I particularly enjoy this one.
Here, Davis Hendrickson is running out an infield hit. What makes it for me is the fan in the background calling him safe. He’s right, of course.
Next up:
Weather-permitting, Illinois takes on the Buckeyes again today at 3:05 at Illinois Field.