| Game #2 / February 16, 2013 | ||||
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| 6 | 5 | |||
I was so ready to write a tongue-in-cheek article about how the Illini remained “undefeated” in 2013. When I saw via GameTracker that the Illini had a 5-4 lead in top of fifth, that was a distinct possibility. Alas, host Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles came back with a run in the fifth and another in the sixth. That was all they needed to win by the score of 6-5 (Fighting Illini wrap-up, boxscore)
Once again, it was Justin and Jordan Parr who put out offensively for the Illini. Justin (right) was 4 for 5 with three rbis. Jordan added another hit and rbi. Michael Hurwitz in the role of DH, was 2 for 3 with two walks and a run scored.
However, after scoring five runs in the first five innings, Tennessee Tech pitching kept the Orange and Blue from crossing the plate after that. The Golden Eagles had scored four runs off starter Kevin Duchene in the third inning but Drasen Johnson was the hard luck recipient of the loss despite giving up just one run in 2 1/3 innings. Ronnie Muck kept TTU scoreless with a perfect inning in the eighth.
Apparently, there were weather issues today in Cookeville. The game was delayed slightly due to snow… twice. Hartleb wasn’t about to make excuses, though:
“It was a cold day with two snow delays, but both teams played in it. We’ve got to find a way to win no matter what the conditions are.”
Indeed. We’ve won (and lost) up here in C-U in worse conditions.
Next up: The rubber game is scheduled for 1pm in Cookeville on Sunday. Freshman Nick Blackburn is slated for the start. Just checked the weather… high of 45 and no precip.
Go Illini!