In the homestretch, Illinois to host Buckeyes for key series

 

 

Starting this Friday, Illinois baseball will take on Ohio State in a key three-game series.  With the Big Ten tournament just a few weeks away, both teams are looking to solidify their place in the standings.  Illinois is currently one game over the Buckeyes. 

In addition to the baseball action, there is plenty of other action at Illinois Field.  The annual Bleacher Bum BBQ event hosted by Hickory River will provide free food to the first 500 fans.  To add to the mix, this Friday will be the first time ever that beer will served (sorry, that is NOT free).

Absolutely huge week at Illinois Field.

Free admission every game.
Tue. » vs. SIU
Fri.-Sun. » vs. Ohio State

Fri. 6 p.m. » Bleacher Bum BBQ, free Hickory River, beer sales, fireworks
Sat. 3 p.m. » Free t-shirts
Sun. 1 p.m. » Free mini bats pic.twitter.com/JlBzQd6KVe

— Illini Baseball (@IlliniBaseball) April 30, 2018

 

Pitching Probables

 

Friday: Andy Fisher (4-1, 3.86 ERA)

Saturday: Quinn Snarskis  (4-1, 3.86 ERA)

Sunday: Ty Weber (4-2, 3.52 ERA)

The combined win-loss record for the starting three is 12-4.  Pretty nifty.  As good as that is, it’s even more amazing when you consider that it doesn’t include middle reliever Ryan Thompson’s 7-3 mark. 

Closer Joey Gerber’s conference stats?  7 games, 7 innings, 7 saves. 

That’s the kind of thing brings a smile to Coach Hartleb face.

 

 

The FightingIllini.com new article calls this weekend’s series against the Buckeyes a “Huge” one.  The OhioStateBuckeyes.com article calls it a “key” series.  I guess we better pay attention. 

Why?  Just take a look at the Big Ten standings.  Ohio State is in sixth place and one game below Illinois.  They’re chomping at the bit for more. 

Outside of Minnesota, no Big Ten hits better than Ohio State who sports a .292 average.  And while the Buckeyes rank fifth in ERA, they have power pitchers ranking #1 in strikeouts. 

Key Buckeye player:  Noah McGowan who leads the conference in rbis with 49 and comes in third in hitting with a .390 average. 

 

Follow the games:  @IlliniBaseball  || WDWS AM-1400  || Fighting Illini Sports Network || Live Stats

 

Random Ramblings

 

 

No doubt, this Friday will be a ground-breaking event.  Not only will Illini hold its annual Bleacher Bum BBQ event but for the first time ever, beer will be sold.  Here is the schedule of events surrounding the Illinois-Ohio State game according to FightingIllini.com:

Schedule
4:00 p.m. – Gates open
5:00 p.m. – Free Hickory River BBQ begins (first 500 fans)
5:00 p.m. – Beer sales begin
6:00 p.m. – First pitch vs. Ohio State
8:00 p.m. (or after the seventh inning) – Beer sales end
Postgame – Fireworks show

Just a favor from us long-time Illinois baseball fans… if you drink, drink responsibly.  Enjoy your beer but don’t let it get the best of you.  Be the kind of Illini fan that we all can be proud.  Treat everyone respectfully including Ohio State fans and players.  And yes, even the umpires. 

And most importantly, don’t drive home if you don’t feel you can. 

Lots of info on beer sales here.

 

Interesting stat:  Illinois has a better overall record on the road (10-5) than they do at home (10-6).  They are 6-3 on neutral territory. 

May 1st: Illinois 9 SIU 1

Very fun midweek game on Tuesday when Cyrillo Watson and five other pitchers kept the Salukis to two hits.  Illinois exploded for five runs in fifth inning after Bren Spillane was hit by the pitch.  Doran Turchin and Zac Taylor both homered in that inning. 

Tuesday Box Score

Take a look at some photos from Tuesday’s game. 

Now get out there this weekend and cheer the guys in Orange and Blue!

 

Go Illini!!