Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more exciting for the Illinois baseball team, another hero steps up and helps the team during this storybook 2024 season.
This time it was Connor Milton. A senior, Milton hit his very first career homerun the weekend before against Northern Illinois. That must have sparked something in Connor. This past weekend against Northwestern, he was on fire. All told, Milton went 9 for 12 including three homeruns and eight rbis.
The Big Ten recognized Milton’s performance over the weekend. They honored him with the Big Ten Player of the Week honor. I’ve already said this before but nobody deserves it more than Connor and his stats play just a part in that. He’s a team player and always has been.
It’s worth noting that pitching has improved when it really mattered. Jack Crowder, Cooper Omans, and Regan Hall all put in great appearances.
All of that helped Illinois sweep the Wildcats and complete a perfect 8-0 homestand.
Friday: Illinois 5 Northwestern 3
Reigning Big Ten Player of the Week Jacob Schroeder picked right up where he left off and hit a homer to center early in the game. Coltin Quagliano and Connon Milton both contributed rbi hits.
Five runs was all Illinois needed. Jack Crowder put in a quality start and the bullpen got the job done. Joe Glassey pitched a scoreless ninth for his fourth save.
Saturday: Illinois 7 Northwestern 1
This game was Connor Milton! The senior went 4 for 4 with two homeruns, a double and four rbis. The excitement in the park was palpable!
In addition, Cal Hejza, Camden Janik, Drake Westcott and Coltin Quagliano all had multihit games.
On the mound, Cooper Omans was lights out. He allowed just two hits and one run in seven innings.
Sunday: Illinois 11 Northwestern 7
Coltin Quagliano experienced his first four-hit game on Sunday and Connor Milton added another homerun to his weekend.
Good thing because Northwestern made a bit of a comeback in the later innings. That said, Regan Hall pitched very well in relief. He allowed just one hit and two runs in five innings. Korey Bunselmeyer who is now rocking a 2.65 ERA, kept the ‘Cats scoreless for 1 1/3 innings.
See all my photos from the 2024 season in the IBR photo gallery.
And now, the Illini will be taking their winning ways on their road.
Goin’ back East
This weekend’s series will be three games against the Maryland Terrapins and will be held at the Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium in College Park.
Here’s the Fighting Illini weekend preview.
Maryland Terrapins
W-26 L-16 (6-9 Big Ten)
Friday 4pm CT
Saturday 1pm CT
Sunday 2pm CT
Terrapin Tidings: The Terrapins are a historically powerful baseball team. They were the Big Ten champs in the past two years.
The Terps hold a 26-16 overall record so far in 2024 but have stumbled a bit in conference season. They are currently in ninth place with a 6-9 record and their last Big Ten weekend (their only win) goes back to March against Michigan State.
Anything is possible with Maryland though.
On the mound
Looks like Jack Crowder and Cooper Omans are on. Sunday’s slot is still yet to be determined.
| Friday | Jack Crowder | 3-1, 5.03 ERA |
| Saturday | Cooper Omans | 4-1, 3.55 ERA |
| Sunday | TBD |
For the second weekend in a row, Jack Crowder and Cooper Omans both earned wins.
Random Ramblings
I attended the #ALLENSTRONG fundraiser before Saturday’s game which was well attended. The fundraiser is meant to help Coach Allen and his family during his battle with cancer. I’m grateful to Howard Milton who introduced me around to many of the parents I had not met before.
If you’re interested in supporting Coach Allen, here is the ALLENSTRONG GoFundMe page that was set up.
We’re thinking of you, Coach!
After Tuesday’s drubbing of Western Illinois, the Illini’s homerun total skyrocketed even more. Right now, they lead the conference with 71 which is a full seventeen more than second place Penn State.
Three of the top five leaders in the Big Ten (Moerman, Westcott and Schroeder) are Illini.
Go Illini!!