Jordan Parr hustles into third as he triples in the first inning
It was more of the same Saturday as the Illini pounded the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils 12-4 at Illinois Field. Once again, a big inning helped as the six-run second pretty much put the game away. By the end of the third inning, it was 10-1 and the rest of the game was just an exercise in futility as far as MVSU was concerned.
The top of the order really produced for Illinois today. The first five (Thomas Lindauer (left), Willie Argo, Justin Parr, Brandon Hohl and Jordan Parr) were 11 for 20 today. All had at least two hits with Argo getting three. Jordan Parr drove in three runs thanks to a double and a triple.
David Kerian, getting a start at DH, hit safely twice and scored three times.
This was my first look at starting pitcher Josh Ferry at least in a game that mattered. It was also 
Ferry’s first game since last Sunday when he gave up seven runs against Nebraska. Ferry (right) rebounded nicely getting his second win of the year. He lasted five innings and only allowed three earned runs. Josh struck out five MVSU batters and walked just one.
Hey, maybe the bullpen is back on track after last weekend, too. Bryan de la Torriente, Matt Milroy and Reid Roper combined for four no-hit innings.
Random Ramblings
Is it me or has Brandon Hohl picked up some speed over the off-season? As good as he his, Brandon wasn’t the fastest runner on the base paths in 2011. This year though, he already has four stolen bases.
Hohl’s speed increase was apparent today in the sixth inning. He singled with no out then stole second. He then advanced to third on a fly out to third. The final coup d’état was scoring on Davis Hendrickson’s sac fly. Nice wheels! Dad Hohl claims a little weight loss over the off-season might have something to do with the speed pickup. By the way, Hohl played short in the late innings today… that was a career first for him.
Next Up
Third and last game of the series is tomorrow. So far the Illini have scored 27 runs this series so if you haven’t come out yet and want to see some good offense, I’d say the odds are with you if you made a Sunday afternoon of it.
John Kravetz is the slated starter Sunday. I’m hoping he can put the Husker nonsense behind him just like Josh Ferry did. Game time is 12 noon.
See you there!