It didn’t take long for former Illini Tanner Roark to make a splash in the majors. Only a couple days after getting called up to the Washington Nationals, he made his first appearance and was even featured on a highlight video on MLB.com for a defensive play against the Braves.
Roark who pitched for the University of Illinois baseball team in 2006-2007, was called up on August 6. The Nationals didn’t waste any time putting him to use the next day. He came in the game in relief of Jordan Zimmerann. Roark did admirably in his debut, pitching two scoreless innings and allowing just one hit against Atlanta. Roark also apparently flashed some glove participating in a inning-ending double play.
The hot Braves ended up winning 6-3.
Illini Days: Roark defeats the Hawkeyes in 2007 Big Ten Tournament (with batterymate Lars Davis)
In his freshman year in 2006, Roark went 4-0 and was Illinois’ third starter for most of the year. In his sophomore year, he was named All-Big Ten second team based on his 8-2 record. He helped the Illini in the Big Ten Tournament by defeating Iowa in the first game of the tourney.
Congrats, Tanner!