If anyone in town has been waiting to attend an Illinois baseball game, this is your last chance! The Illini series against Nebraska will be the last three games at home.
It has been over ten years since I’ve missed two Illinois baseball weekends. Between a wedding in the family and my daughter’s graduation (yay!), I haven’t seen the Illini since the series against Northwestern. Thank goodness there is this one more home weekend!
Starting Friday, the Illini will be taking on the Nebraska Cornhuskers (19-27 Big Ten 7-11). There will be lots of fun this weekend including Friday’s Bleacher Bum BBQ; (free food and t-shirts while available!). Saturday is Bark in the Park so feel free to bring your dog. And the program will be honoring the outgoing seniors on Senior Day on Sunday.
Coming off a non-conference sweep against Miami of Ohio last weekend, Illinois comes in at 26-19 and is currently tied with Iowa for third place with a 12-6 conference record.
And yes, Cam McDonald is still on a roll. McD has reached base in 56 straight games going back to 2021. In fact, WDWS broadcaster Scott Beatty made a realization over the weekend on Twitter…
Cam is now one shy of the team record held by Ben Troike.
On the mound
Ace lefty Cole Kirschsieper will take the mound on Friday. He sports a 2.93 ERA with a 6-2 record. Riley Gowens (5-2, 4.97 ERA) is the Saturday starter.
Sunday’s starter is still a secret at this writing.
Here is the weekend preview from the Fighting Illini program. Keep an eye on the weather and even better, the Illinois Baseball Twitter account for any potential schedule changes.
| Nebraska Cornhuskers | 19-27 (7-11 Big Ten) |
| Illinois Field | Champaign, Illinois |
| Friday, May 13 | 6pm CT Saturday, May 14 | 3pm CT Sunday, May 15 | 2pm CT |  |
| WDWS AM-1400 | B1G+ | Live Stats |
Random Ramblings
500!
Most likely, you have already heard that Coach Dan Hartleb won his 500th Illini game on Saturday. He didn’t waste any time in adding to his total winning the third game against Miami of Ohio on Sunday for the sweep.
Coach Hartleb has been head coach since 2006. The photo above is one of first ones I have of him. He’s looking as young as ever now. It’s no surprise about his longevity. Dan Hartleb is a credit to the U of I and its athletic program.
Congrats, Coach!
Massey rising in the minors
Let’s take a look at former Illini infielder Michael Massey. To say he is making the most of his time in the minor leagues is an understatement. He was just awarded the Golden Glove for his time with the A ball Quad Cities River Bandits in 2021.
Now this year, Massey is in AA Ball with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and he’s wasting no time in producing. He has a league player of week award under his belt. His stats so far: 27 G, 36 H, HR 5, 27 RBI, BA .324
Keep it going, Michael!
See you at the ballpark!