A young fan watches freshman Adam Walton at the plate
It was quite drizzly Tuesday afternoon for Game 2 of Illinois Baseball’s Orange and Blue World Series. So much so, I checked the Fighting Illini just to make sure the game wasn’t cancelled. It obviously wasn’t and it’s a good thing. It was good conditioning for those nasty early season games that home fans are so used to.
The Blue Team’s Drasen Johnson delivers the ball
I got a chance to have a nice chat with pitcher Charlie Naso’s father, Chuck Naso. Aside from seeing his son (of course), he likes these Orange and Blue series because it gives us a chance to see the new guys. To learn their names and their positions.
Our first real look at freshman Nick Blackburn
Indeed, today was a good day for that. Pitching for the Orange team was Nick Blackburn, freshman righty from Naperville. If I remember correctly, Blackburn was much heralded when he was originally recruited by the Illini coaching staff. I understand this is just an exhibition but perhaps a starting assignment today means we’ll see more of Blackburn in 2013.
Krug held on first by Reid Roper….
…safe at second! (speaking of newcomers, that’s freshman infielder Adam Walton, by the way)
Today, Will Krug showed the dripping fans in the stands that his 55 steals over the summer may not be a fluke. After being held to first base quite closely, Krug still managed to steal second base. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do next year against the opposition.
One more newcomer… freshman catcher Steve Nelson taking a cut
More photos from Tuesday here.
The last game of the series is tomorrow (Wednesday) at 3:30pm.