Now even I’m quite impressed after this weekend’s performance by the Illini down in Gainesville, Florida. After starting the year 2-4 they once again heading down to south, always considered college baseball territory. Indeed, they were going to face #23 University of Florida twice in a four game tournament in Gainesville.
Well, the team proved they had the mettle to play with the big boys. The Orange and Blue hurlers especially put a dampers on the Gator bats as well as those of the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles. Sparked by a Kevin Duchene three-hit shutout against the Florida Gators on Friday evening, Illinois pitchers allowed four runs in as many games. That’s right four runs in four games. I’ve alluded to the improved Illini pitching lately. Now, perhaps the rest of the college baseball press will starting picking up on it.
Coming back from Gainesville, Illinois has drastically upped their winning record from a lackluster 2-4 mark to a spicy 6-4 record.
Quick recaps of the games last weekend:
| Game #7 / February 28, 2014 | ||||
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Ryan Castellanos made his first start of 2014 but he proved he was up to the task. His seven inning win over Florida Gulf Coast was a solid one giving up just six hits and no walks.
Reid Roper lets us all know he’s still got it out of the pen, too. He pitched a perfect ninth with two strikeouts for his first save of the year.
Zack Kolakowski banged out three hits including a double and an rbi single.
| Game #8 / February 28, 2014 | ||||
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In Friday evening’s game against #23 Florida, Kevin Duchene was the big story. His line score was nothing short of fantastic. Duchene pitched 9 innings, allowed three hits, no runs, struck out six and walked two. Quite a memorable game for his first win of the 2014 season. I’ll be a little disappointed if he doesn’t get the nod this week from the Big Ten during their weekly awards announcements.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Will Krug’s offensive efforts in Friday evening’s game. CF Krug went 4 for 5 with two rbis and run. David Kerian added a triple and two rbis.
| Game #9 / March 1, 2014 | ||||
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The Illini offense picked up on Saturday against the Eagles as they scored nine runs while pitcher John Kravetz picked up his first win as well. Kravetz allowed just six hits and a walk but more impressive, he just gave up just one run to the ranked Gators’ offense. J.D. Nielsen and Charlie Naso combined for two scoreless innings to finish out the game.
Will Krug continued to hit. He went 2 for 5 with two rbis. The big stars of Saturday’s game were junior transfer Casey Fletcher and Ryan Nagle. Nagle continues to make a difference by driving in runs. He drove in two on three hits on Saturday. Fletcher did the same thing going 3 for 4 with two rbis.
| Game #10 / March 2, 2014 | ||||
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After starting out the tourney 3-0, it would probably be to much to ask for a sweep especially against the #23 Florida Gators. Starting pitcher Drasen Johnson was up to the task though. Spreading out eight hits, he kept the Gators scoreless through six and a third innings. It probably helped that Johnson didn’t walk anyone. Tyler Jay is becoming a force in the Illini bullpen. He earned his third save pitching 2 2/3 innings and allowing a single run.
Ryan Nagle continued his hitting prowess. He accumulated three hits on Sunday (that makes six in two days). The Roper brothers both contributed too. Secondbaseman Reid went 2 for 5 with a double and two rbis. Thirdbaseman Ryne collected two hits and scored a run.
Next up
You know the Illinois Field home opener is getting closer when the Illini go away for the weekend, they’re just going to Kentucky and not Florida or South Carolina. This weekend, the Illini will be traveling to play Western Kentucky at Bowling Green. Friday is their first game.
Way to Illinois!