Kevin Johnson needed just 79 pitches to take care of Oakland
Kevin Johnson made quick work of the Oakland Golden Grizzlies Friday night as he pitched a three-hit shutout. Justin Parr helped out with a two-run homerun in the first inning. Illinois’ defeat of Oakland 4-0 now gives them a 15-6 record.
| Game #21 / March 29, 2013 | ||||
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By the time I got to the ballpark, it was 5:00pm, an hour into the game. I was a little surprised to see that they were already into the sixth inning. Kevin Johnson (4-1) was pitching a good game obviously and being very efficient. It only took him 79 pitches to shut down the Grizzlies. Not only did he pitch a three-hitter, he didn’t allow a walk.
Reid Roper makes a play from second
Without runs, you can’t win a game. Fortunately, the Illini offense already had KJ covered in the first inning. Justin Parr (2 for 4) hit his first homerun of the year driving in Michael Hurwitz who got on base with a single. Jordan Parr immediately doubled and then scored on a throwing error by the Grizzly catcher. Two innings later, Thomas Lindauer drove home David Kerian (3 for 4) on a base hit. That was all the offense both teams were going to see but that was all the Illini were going to need with the way Johnson was pitching.
The game finished under 1 hour 45 minutes, one of the shortest games I’ve witnessed at Illinois Field in my memory.
More photos here at the Illinois Baseball Report photo gallery.
Next Up
The Illini play two games versus the Golden Grizzlies Saturday. The first game starts at noon. Kevin Duchene will start the first game. John Kravetz will be on the hill for Game Two. On Sunday, Illinois will finish up their four-game series against Oakland. Nick Blackburn will be the starter.
Go Illini!