Thank goodness for Cole Kirschsieper! Cole K pitched five scoreless innings in today’s shutout of Ohio State preventing a Buckeye sweep. The Buckeyes won the first three games down in Greenville, South Carolina before their offense ran out of gas.
Despite the discrepancy in wins this weekend, the games were competitive. At least the games on Friday and early Saturday were hard fought and close.
Game 1
 | Ohio State | 6 |
 | Illinois | 3 |
I’m sure Friday’s game was a real tough one to lose. Illinois came back to tie the game twice only to lose it in the 13th inning.
From all reports, Andrew Hoffman was on his game. He ended up with a quality start allowing just two runs on four hits in six innings.
Taylor Jackson, Jackson Raper, Danny Doligale and Brody Harding all contributed two hits.
FightingIllini.com recap for Friday
Game 2
| Ohio State | 6 |
| Illinois | 5 |
The first game on Saturday was probably even more of a heartbreaker. The Illini came back to score five runs and take the lead in the third inning. The offense came courtesy of hits from Nathan Aide, Cam McDonald and Jacob Cambell.
Unfortunately, those were the only runs Illinois would score and the Buckeyes would score to take the lead.
Taylor Jackson rapped three hits in the games.
Game 3
| Ohio State | 12 |
| Illinois | 6 |
In the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader, Illinois came out of the gate quickly scoring four in the first inning. Ohio State responded with gusto with eight runs in the second. There was no looking back for The Ohio State after that.
Both Cam McDonald and Taylor Jackson collected four hits on the day.
FightingIllini.com recap for Saturday
Game 4
| Ohio State | 0 |
| Illinois | 8 |
Illinois pitching led by Cole Kirschsieper, kept the Buckeyes to three hits and zero runs on Sunday. That gives Illinois their first win of the 2021!
Joseph Glassey, Ryan Kutt and Payton Hutchings all contributed shutout innings in relief.
Frosh Justin Janas went 3 for 3 in the affair while scoring twice and driving home a run. Taylor Jackson once again did well contributing two hits. Catcher Ryan Hampe produced with two hits and two key rbis.
FightingIllini recap for Sunday
Random Ramblings
Coach Hartleb has said in public appearances that this year’s team is “talented” and just need to play some games. This weekend was their opportunity. With this year’s schedule, we won’t see a non-conference schedule so Illinois is already playing for the Big Ten standings.
What a weekend for Taylor Jackson! Looking at the series stats, the leadoff man is doing just fine. Starting all four games, he is 8 for 18 with three runs scored and two stolen bases.
Next up: Illinois takes on Minnesota on March 12-14 for a four-game series at the US Bank Stadium.