Jordan Parr heads home to score in the second inning
Illinois spotted Illinois State a five run lead but came back for seven unanswered runs to win Tuesday night, 7-5.
Usual secondbaseman/closer Reid Roper was the starter. Roper couldn’t quite handle the tough ISU lineup tonight as they scored five runs in the first two innings. That included a two-run homer in the first to Zac Johnson. Roper made amends at the plate as the DH, though . He went 3 for 4 with an rbi and a run scored.
Drasen Johnson: 5 plus shutout innings for his first win of 2012
It was Drasen Johnson who shut down the Redbirds. He came in to relieve Roper in the second and gave up a quick bases loaded walk and a sac fly. From then on, it was smooth sailing for the 6’4” righty. Johnson pitched five more innings after that and only gave up three hits and no runs for the day. Credit him with his first win of the season. Ronnie Muck came in for the ninth to get his second save of the day.
Love the Illini spirit!
Roper wasn’t the only hero with the bat. Willie Argo drove in two runs in the fourth inning with a base hit. For the night, Willie was 2 for 4 with 3 rbis. Kelly Norris-Jones continues to amplify his fine play behind the plate with the bat. Tonight, he went 2 for 3 with a run and an rbi.
More photos here at the photo gallery. By the way, I’ve set it so that 2012 photos will now appear in the sidebar. Go ahead and click on one if you like it… it will take you to that gallery.
Next Up
It’s a return engagement with Eastern Illinois at their place Wednesday night. Illinois defeated EIU earlier this month, 10-3. Game time is 6pm.
This weekend is a big conference series with Ohio State at Illinois Field. Get out to the park and support the team. Friday’s game starts at 6:05pm.