No doubt this weekend’s series with #27 Ohio State will be one of the most important of the year for the first place and #25 Illini. The University of Illinois Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is hoping to make it even more fun as they are planning a Bleacher Bum Barbeque…
Illinois and starting pitcher Bryan Roberts took care of business today as they shut out Northwestern Wildcats 9-0 at Rocky Miller Park in Evanston. With help from Michigan who defeated Ohio State, they are now in sole possession of first place in the Big Ten conference. Roberts was lights out…
Now, that Illinois win was just a little TOO interesting. With a 15-3 lead going into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Northwestern Wildcats rallied for nine runs to make it close. Fortunately, Will Strack came in and shut the door on the ‘Cats, pitching a perfect ninth. The…
Lots to talk about in the wake of Illinois’ series victory over (then) #1 LSU Tigers last weekend. The Illini won Friday’s game and Sunday’s game both on the efforts of good starting pitching by Phil Haig and Ben Reeser respectively. I say "then #1" because well, it’s no surprise…
I’m posting about this now while it’s still relevant (i.e before this weekend’s series with #1 LSU). Note the disparity of team ERAs among the Big Ten teams: from the Big Ten stats page: TEAM PITCHING G ERA —————————— Illinois………… 6 2.72 Minnesota……….. 7 4.50 Penn State………. 7 4.89 Indiana………….…
I just rolled into Ann Arbor this evening on the aptly named “Wolverine” Amtrak line. I’m staying at the Lamp Post Inn. It’s a budget motel but it has the important amenity I need. Wireless access. When I told the motel owner my reason for being here he told me…
No game on Sunday between Illinois and Ohio State. Rain washed away any chance of the Illini to tie Ohio State for the weekend. As frustrating as that probably is, Ohio State had the momentum after their amazing comeback in Game 2 on Saturday (they scored 10 runs in the…
On Saturday, Illinois and Ohio State completed their Friday contest that was suspended by rain. Illinois won easily with both teams scoring two additional runs. Final Score 9-4 Illinois. The win goes to Kevin Manson which makes him 7-1 on the season. Mike Sterk got his third save of the…
Friday night games continue to be plagued by the weather. Fortunately, Illinois and Ohio State were able to get a good six plus innings in before the game was called. Even better, the Illini have a good head start on the Buckeyes leading 7-2. Starter Kevin Manson pitched a gem…
Next Game: Games #47-50 Fri May 9 5:35pm Sat May 10 12:05 (DH) Sun May 11 12:05pm Record: 28-18 Big Ten 14-10 vs Ohio State at Bill Davis Stadium, Columbus, Ohio It’s getting close to crunch time. Two more series left for the Illini this regular season; one against the…