Illinois is home this weekend! Best show in town!
Illinois returns home this weekend for a series against Maryland. This will be a three-game weekend at Illinois Field. The Illini (15-16) are on a 5-2 streak coming off a three-game sweep versus Purdue two weeks ago and a four-game split against #22 Michigan last weekend.
A relative newcomer to the conference, Maryland hasn’t played Illinois a lot. As of 2021, Illinois is 8-8 versus Maryland throughout history and 3-3 at Illinois Field. For the season, the Terps are 19-13 and are on a six-game win streak.
On the mound
Coach Hartleb is going with three starters that he has been using for the past two weekends. Given the relative success of each, I’m not surprised.
Another solid outing by Andrew Hoffmann (1-0, 3.96 ERA) last Saturday (three runs allowed in 5 1/3 innings) earns him a Friday start this weekend.
Nate Lavender (5-1, 4.46 ERA) did suffer his first loss of 2021 but still sports a 5-1 record for the year. His five wins is still tied for tops in the conference. He will start Saturday’s game against Jason Savacool who also has five wins.
Last Sunday, Riley Gowens (1-2, 5.14 ERA) got roughed up a bit by the Wolverine offense but the Illinois bats came through to get the win for the good guys. Gowens will be handed the ball for Sunday’s matchup.
| Maryland Terrapins | |
| Illinois Field | Champaign, Illinois |
| Friday, May 7 | 6pm CT Saturday, May 8 | 4pm CT Sunday May 9 | 11am CT |  |
Random Ramblings
Just a heads up for those not from the Champaign-Urbana area, the weather might be a little iffy. Friday evening looks pretty good but Saturday and Sunday may see some weather rolling in. Definitely, keep an eye on Illinois Baseball’s Twitter account for updates on any schedule changes.
In a briefing with the press this week, Jackson Raper talked about how special it was hitting for the cycle last Sunday. More than once, he emphasized the importance of getting the win. He did give credit to Michigan as a nationally recognized team hoping that the positivity and momentum of the 2-2 split would carry over to this weekend’s series.
Jackson mentioned that early on there were adjustments that needed to be made as far as his approach at the plate. Big Ten pitchers were a challenge and eventually, he “got a little more comfortable with things”.
After a bit of a slow start this season, first baseman Kellen Sarver is on hot streak.
In two weekends, the Champaign Centennial alum has boosted his average from .195 to .288. More importantly, he has been productive. He has driven in at least one run in the last eight games.
Let’s go Illini!!