Going into the weekend against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, the Illini were coming off a 1-3 series against the Buckeyes. Coach Hartleb must have said the right things in the clubhouse because the Illini won the first three games before succumbing Sunday’s game.
This gives Illinois an even 4-4 record and in a much better position than they were one week ago. Let’s take a look at a recap of the series.
Game 5
 | Illinois | 6 |
 | Minnesota | 1 |
Friday’s game was a pitching duel between Illini Andrew Hoffman and Gopher Sam Ireland. It was Ryan Hampe who first drew blood with a solo homer in the top of the seventh inning. By the end of the ninth inning, it was 1-1 and the game went into extras.
Then the floodgates opened for Illinois’ offense. Sparked by a Kellen Sarver two-run single, five Illinois runs crossed the plate in the top of the tenth inning.
Nathan Lavender pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings for the win. Hampe went 4 for 4 for game.
Game 6
| Illinois | 11 |
| Minnesota | 8 |
In the first game on Saturday, there was lots of offense on both sides. Each team walked nine batters so there were plenty of scoring opportunities. Up 3-2, Illinois padded their lead with six runs in the top of the fifth. The rally was capped by doubles by Danny Doligale and Jackson Raper.
This was Riley Gowens’ first win as an Illini. Riley allowed two first-inning runs in four innings and got the W in the 7-inning game. Cam McDonald led the attack going 4 for 5 with a double, three runs and two rbis.
Game 7
| Illinois | 7 |
| Minnesota | 1 |
In a late second game on Saturday, Ty Rybarczyk earned his first 2021 win with a quality start. He allowed just one run and four hits in seven innings. That will help bring that ERA down.
Homers by Jacob Campbell and Jackson Raper help get Rybarczyk the runs Illini needed. Campbell was on base a lot and scored a total of three times.
Game 8
| Illinois | 3 |
| Minnesota | 5 |
Illinois couldn’t pull off the sweep but they made it a good game to watch. Down 5-1, a Jacob Campbell 2-run homer in the sixth inning made it 5-3.
In the eighth inning, Illinois threatened with runners on second and third but the Gophers got the win.
In addition to his homer, Campbell went 4 for 4.
Random Ramblings
Catcher duo – You probably have seen Jacob Campbell’s and Ryan Hampe’s names a lot this week. Have you seen the stats for these two Illini catchers? Campbell is hitting .615 (8 for 13) and Hampe’s average is .367 (11 for 30).
Campbell is also the only Illini with more than one homerun. Thank goodness for the designated hitter.
Logan recruit: Andrew Hoffman is looking for his first win but it’s obvious that he has made an impact on the Illini already. With 17 strikeouts in 12-plus innings, he was a good pickup by the team. He has allowed only two earned runs (three overall) so far in two starts.
Next up: Next weekend, the Illini will participate in their first pod format weekend. They will travel to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan and Michigan State.
Nice work Illini!