This coming weekend, baseball comes back to Illinois Field! The Illini host Indiana for a three-game series starting at 7pm Friday evening.
Illinois has had a bit of an off and on conference season. The past three weekends, the team has gone 1-2. Looking to capitalize on last place Northwestern this last weekend, the Illini could muster only one win. What the team needs is a three-game sweep to get them back on track.
That won’t be easy with the first-place Indiana Hoosiers (23-10, 7-2 Big Ten) coming to visit but there’s one thing about the sport of baseball: anything can happen. I have confidence.
Focusing on the successes
If we’re looking for some successes, let’s start with Tuesday’s win at Illinois State. The Illini put on a offensive display as they got their revenge for their loss to Redbirds a week earlier. The team scored sixteen runs on seventeen hits, both season highs. Camden Janik, Drake Westcott and Ryan Moerman went deep in the 16-5 win while Westcott drove in five runs.
John Lundgren got the win in relief but it’s definitely worth mentioning that Jack Crowder made his return as a starter in sparkling fashion. In four scoreless innings, he gave up just two hits and no walks.
Last weekend, Jake Swartz made the most of his opportunity of his first weekend start. He pitched 5 1/3 innings for the win allowing one run on four hits. He was helped out Payton Hutchings and Korey Bunselmeyer who earned his first save of 2023.
Three players I didn’t know I would appreciate so much before the season started: Drake Westcott, Ryan Moerman and Jacob Schroeder…
Wowee! These guys can hit. Right now, they are one-two-three in homers on the team. I’m a guy who remembers the days when homers were pretty sparse. These fellas bring excitement to the ballpark.
On the mound
Not surprisingly, Illinois is going with freshman Jake Swartz again this weekend. In my humble opinion, I approve.
Friday: Riley Gowens (1-2, 5.93 ERA)
Saturday: Jake Swartz (1-1, 4.29 ERA)
Sunday: Jack Wenninger (4-2, 4-17 ERA)
A look at the weekend
Please note that the weather in this area might be iffy Saturday or Sunday. As always, check with Illinois baseball’s website or Twitter for any potential schedule changes.
 Indiana Hoosiers |
| 23-10 (7-2 Big Ten) |
| Friday 7pm CT Saturday 5pm CT Sunday 1pm CT |
| Live video | Live audio | Live stats | @IlliniBaseball |
Here is the Fighting Illini weekend preview.
Random Ramblings
Two days after the series against Illinois, the Northwestern Wildcats lost to the UIC Flames 24-20. I’m not sure how to process that. It sure is a fun box score though.
Illinois baseball promotions this weekend at Illinois Field
Saturday: Jackie Robinson Day
Sunday: Pajama Day
Don’t worry, I won’t be coming to Illinois Field in my peejays.
It’s worth mentioning that it is Moms Weekend at the University of Illinois too. For those coming in from out of town, expect heavier crowds.
See you at the ballpark!