On a three-game win streak, Illinois will be hosting Penn State (16-21) this weekend hoping to add more. It will be Illinois’ last home series for the 2021.
After two wins against Iowa last weekend, the Illini won an exciting extra-inning game against #25 Indiana on Tuesday to make up for a rainout in April. We can thank Taylor Jackson for the go-ahead homer in the top of the 10th inning to put Illinois ahead for good.
With seven pitchers gracing the box score, pitching was a team effort. Freshman Clayton Johnson made his first career start for the Illini. Grant Leader put in 2 2/3 solid innings while striking out six Hoosiers. Winner Jack Crowder improved his record to 2-0.
Most importantly, Illinois improved to a .500 record at 19-19.
On the mound
Coach Hartleb is going with the same rotation that seems to be working for the Illini. All three starters put in solid outings last weekend against Iowa. Andrew Hoffmann (2-0, 3.31 ERA) will begin the weekend on Friday. Nate Lavender (6-2, 4.37 ERA) hopes to add to his team-leading 6 wins on Saturday and Riley Gowens (2-3, 5.36 ERA) takes the hill on Sunday.
A cool stat: Illinois pitchers have struck out ten or more batters at least fifteen times this season. That happened in each of the last three games.
| Penn State Nittany Lions | 16-21 |
| Illinois Field | Champaign, Illinois |
| Friday, May 21 | 6pm CT Saturday, May 22 | 7pm CT Sunday, May 23 | 1pm CT |  |
Random Ramblings
Some Illinois baseball fans may not be familiar with PJ Carmichael. He has been the team manager for the past four years. He is leaving after this season and the response from the players and former players has been overwhelming.
Here is one example from former Illini pitcher Zak Devermann:
Carmichael is eyeing a move to coaching so we hope to see more from him. Thank you and good luck, PJ!
The News-Gazette has a great writeup on recruit Crayton Burnett. Growing up in St. Joseph, Illinois, Crayton is a home-grown and lifelong Illini fan. He comes with some pretty impressive credentials too. Despite leading his team in hits and rbis, his strength is in his arm. This year, he has a 0.39 ERA with 77 strikeouts in 36 innings. That netted St. Joseph-Ogden a 6-0 record with Burnett on the mound.
Burnett says it’s “a dream” of his to play at Illinois. We’re happy to have him here.
Go Illini!