The Illini baseball team started the Big Ten conference season in a grand fashion by crushing the tough Nebraska Cornhuskers by the score of 11-3 in the opener at Lincoln. Kevin Johnson won his fourth straight game getting all the offense he needed.
Leftfielder Justin Parr (right) was a big part of that offense. He went 2 for 5 with four rbis. Three of those rbis came with a bases-loaded double in the sixth inning which put Illinois ahead for good. Brother Jordan Parr did his part too. He also was 2 for 5 and had two rbis. Those rbis came on a two-run single in the ninth when Illinois scored a total of four runs. Leadoff man, Thomas Lindhauer hit safely three times and scored twice.
As for Kevin Johnson, he kept the potentially volatile Cornhusker offense in check. Over seven innings, he spread out nine hits and one walk. As a result, Nebraska only scored three times. Johnson is 4-1 for the season. Out of the bullpen, Luke Joyce and Drasen Johnson both pitched one perfect inning to close out the game.
Currently, Illinois is 11-7 on the year and this was their seventh win in nine games.
Next Up
Saturday, the Illini and ‘Huskers match up again at 2pm CT. John Kravetz (3-0) is on the mound for the Illini.
Go Illini! Shuck the Cornhuskers!