Illini ‘Cap’ home season with a win against Western Michigan

Illinois ended their home season with a win tonight against Western Michigan.  Thanks to key pitching and a great game by Pete Cappetta, the Illini outscored the Broncos 6-1. Billy Barrett held the Broncos hitless for three innings The Broncos just couldn’t get the offense going against Illinois’ hurlers.  Through…

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Johnson, Illini cool off Boilermakers in front of alumni

Johnson shuts out the Boilermakers There were more alumni festivities on Saturday at Illinois Field  (more on that below) and boy, did Illinois starting pitcher Kevin Johnson give the old ‘mates a show.  Not only did he pitch a complete game but he exacted revenge on the Purdue Boilermakers by…

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Woot, woot, Lutes!

Boy, it sure is fun when the Illini win! In Illini Nation, Craig Lutes is the hero of the day.  Yes, he’s in that mob of Illinois players you see in the above photo.  Not only is he the one who hit the walk-off homerun against the Northwestern Wildcats today…

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Dog Day Afternoon for Illini against Michigan, 11-4

It was close for a while but Michigan’s offense caught up to Illinois pitching on Sunday and the Wolverines defeated the Illini 11-4. Mike Giller slides in to score ahead of Casey McMurray Michigan scored one run in each of the first three innings to take a 3-0 lead but…

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Illini squeeze out a win vs SIU 5-4

Southern Illinois made it interesting but the Illini held on for their 15th win last night.  they won 5-4.  SIU scored three runs in ninth against Bryan Roberts but Bryan closed it out for an Illinois victory.  Time is short so a few quick observations from looking at the box…

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Illinois ekes one out over Bradley 11-10

Illinois enjoyed a close win at Bradley tonight.  Down by a run in the eighth, the Illini scored two to go ahead for good.  Brian de la Torriente got the win in relief and Bryan Roberts closed out the game for the save.  Final score:  Illinois 11 Bradley 10. Brandon…

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Four homers on Sunday ensures series win against Penn State

Before the game, Pete Cappetta predicted two wins for the weekend This time it was the Illini who took some advantage of the 20-25 mph wind at Illinois Field. With four homers and a fantastic effort by the bullpen, Illinois closed out this past weekend’s series on a winning note. …

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Penn State slugs past Illini 16-9 in windy Big Ten opener

Will Strack struggles with his jacket in the strong Friday wind before the game. There was a fierce wind at Illinois Field Friday night.  Unfortunately, Penn State took advantage of it and Illinois didn’t.  The Nittany Lions cracked four homeruns and defeated the Illini 16-9. It’s not that Illinois didn’t…

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Illini quick out of the starting gate: defeat Notre Dame 11-1

That’s the way to start the season! Consider that the Illinois baseball team went into the Big Ten/BIG EAST Challenge cold having missed the first weekend of play due to weather while their opponents, Notre Dame, got a three game head start.  Consider also that same Notre Dame team won…

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