Illinois looks to win rubber game against Buckeyes

Kevin Johnson: all time Illini leader with 333 innings

Illinois and Ohio State split their first two games in Columbus this weekend.  Kevin Johnson won Friday’s game in a record breaking fashion 9-2.  On Saturday, it was a narrow defeat for the Illini (24-11, 6-5 Big Ten) as they lost in extras 7-6

Both teams play on Sunday for the rubber game at 11am to conclude the weekend series.  

 

 

Kevin Johnson became the all-time leader in innings pitched by an Illini pitcher when he passed former leader Mark Dressen.  Johnson (right, seen in 2009 Fall practice before he even threw a competitive pitch for the Illini) took a no-hitter into the sixth inning against the Buckeyes on Friday and now has a even 333 career innings. Johnson has not missed a start in his career. 

Also on Friday, Justin Parr continued his hitting streak by hitting a bases loaded triple in the sixth inning against the Bucks.  That makes 22 in a row. 

Jordan Parr and Davis Hendrickson both contributed three hits in the 9-2 Illinois win. 

 

 

Sometimes, I should keep my mouth shut…  like last Thursday.  Tough loss, Bryan. 

Justin Parr did provide the silver lining on the cloudy day.  He extended his hit streak to 23 games with two hits.  That ties the second highest streak in school history with Tom Sinak (1994-95). 

Ohio State won the game 7-6 in a roller coaster extra-inning game that had four lead changes. 

 

Next Up

The Illini finish up with the Buckeyes today.  The game is in progress as I write this with Ryan Castellanos on the mound for the Illini.  In the second, their have already been a couple lead changes.  Unfortunately, Ohio State has put up six runs in the second inning so the Illinois bats will have some work do to. 

Go Illini!