Illini can’t overcome Nits 4 HR, 8-6

First, a sincere congratulations to the Boilermaker Nation.  With Purdue’s win over Michigan, they have clinched at the least, a share of the 2012 Big Ten Championship.  It will be their first such championship since 1909. 

As for the Illini, their tournament continue to dwindle with their second loss against Penn State.  At 9-11, a tournament berth is certainly not out of the question.   Take a look at the current Big Ten standings. To get to the tourney, Illinois will have to hop over at least two teams including Ohio State, who is two games ahead at the moment.  But as they say, one game at a time.

Illinois did get off to a good start today getting three quick runs in the first.  That 3-0 lead dissipated as PSU banged away at Illini pitching.  A Purdue solo homer in the second inning and a two-run shot in the 4th and the fifth and yes, a 3-run homer in the 7th, all added up to eight runs that Illinois couldn’t overcome.  Final score PSU 8 Illinois 6

Offensively, the top three in the lineup were pretty productive.  Thomas Lindauer (3 for 4, run, rbi), Willie Argo (3 for 4, 2B, 2 runs) and Justin Parr (2 for 3, 2 rbis) all had good night.  On the mound, John Kravetz struck out five batters in six innings.  Matt Milroy struck out three in just an inning and a third. 

Tomorrow, the Illini try to take the last game from the Nittany Lions.  Drasen Johnson is the scheduled starter.  Game time is an early 11:05am

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