Cody Sedlock keeping it close for the Illini
In game one against the Xavier Musketeers (12-7) tonight, Illinois Baseball (8-10) just couldn’t get the hits they needed. While they weren’t exactly out of it until late in game, it was difficult to get the offense going. All told, Xavier outhit the Illini 14-3.
While that seems like a lot, the Illini were within striking distance for most of the game. Thanks to Reid Roper’s third homer of the year in the sixth inning, the score was 3-2 Xavier at the top of the ninth.
We can thank freshman righty Cody Sedlock for keeping it as close as it was. After starter Drasen Johnson gave up three runs in the third inning, Sedlock inherited two baserunners and did a fantastic job getting out of the inning with no further damage. Not only that, he pitched five more scoreless innings. The impressive line on Sedlock tonight: 5 2/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB and 5 K.
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Reid Roper gets congrats from David Kerian and Jason Goldstein after his two-run homerun in the sixth
In case you’re wondering, Jason Goldstein got hit today to extend his to double digits. He singled in the fourth and went 1 for 3 for the game. He has now has hit in 10 straight games.
Reid Roper’s two-run homer has now tied him for the team lead in rbis with Ryan Nagle with 14.
I posted a few photos on the Illinois Baseball Report photo gallery… including this one of Champaign Mayor Don Gerard.
It’s no secret that Mayor Gerard (left) is a fan of baseball and of the Illini baseball team in particular. He still likes to talk politics at the ballpark though. :)
Let’s Play Two!
There’s a doubleheader tomorrow against Xavier. Game time for the first game is noon. Weather is looking a little better right now with temps in the 40s and partly sunny.
Ryan Castellanos (1-1, 5.91) will start for Illinois in game one and John Kravetz (1-1, 4.91) is back to pitch in game two.
See you at the ballpark!