Reliever Ronnie Muck: 2.16 ERA in 7 appearances
This weekend, the University of Illinois baseball team become the first team to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Big Ten conference play. The Huskers play host in Lincoln.
The starting pitchers have been announced. Kevin Johnson, John Kravetz will pitch Friday and Saturday, respectively (no surprise). The third spot has been up in the air. This time around, it’s freshman Josh Ferry who got his first win last weekend against SIU.
Also, the FightingIllini.com weekend preview is up. Check it out (after you read mine).
First, a quick look at the Cornhuskers:
Nebraska Cornhuskers |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 23, 2012 | 6:30 pm CT | |||
| March 24, 2012 | 2:00 pm CT | |||
| March 25, 2012 | 1:00 pm CT | |||
| Hawks Field at Haymarket Park | Lincoln, NE | |||
| Program website link | 2012 Record 15-8 | |||
| Head Coach: Darin Erstad | Key player: Chad Christensen (.389, 6 HR, 27 rbi) | |||
The Cornhuskers may be new to the Big Ten but they and head coach Darin Erstad certainly bring a new class of baseball to the Big Ten. Last year, they had an overall record of 30-25 (only 9-17 within the Big 12, though). This year, they continue to win. Right now they have a formidable 15-8 record and a 9-4 mark at home. That all said, Nebraska has lost two of their last three so take that for what you will.
The Huskers have outscored their opponents 185-102 and outhomered them 24-10. Outfielder Chad Christensen has six of those homeruns.
It’s an away game so don’t count out the effect of the home fans. If they’re anything like my relatives who are Big Red Football fans, our visiting Illini fans will have something to contend with.
How to follow the games this weekend
Game 1 video will be streamed the Big Ten Network web site. Here is the BTN link for that. Also, Illini Sports Network will be broadcasting audio for Game 1, Game 2 and Game 3.
And as usual, GameTracker will be up and running for those who want to follow the games in that fashion. The link will be available near game time on the fightingillini.com website.
This is an FYI for my out-of-state friends: Illinois’ All-Access service has become part of Big Ten Digital Network. You may want to look into this to catch as much video of Illinois games as possible. There’s more info at the bottom of this week’s Fightingillini.com’s preview.
Random Ramblings
Here’s a neat stat… Brandon Hohl may have the lowest batting average among the Illini regulars but leads the team in runs (16) AND rbis (19). Way to be a clutch player, Brando.
Can Kevin Johnson and John Kravetz continue their pace? They’ve only allowed 16 earned runs in 61 2/3 innings. The big key in my opinion? The offense needs to get them some early runs so they can relax and just pitch.
In other news…
Tickets are now on sale for the Battle at Busch scheduled for April 11. Last year’s Battle was rained out but I went two years ago and had a blast. I even took photos while I was there.
Perhaps we’ll have better luck this year with the weather and with Missouri.
Any news about a bus to Busch? That would be awesome!
No word yet. I’ll see if I can find out.