Sure enough, Kolakowski was successful and the Illini won their third straight game. That gives Illinois a winning record now with a 11-10 mark.
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Starter Rob McDonnell wasn’t as effective as he was last Tuesday in our home opener against Indiana State. While he only gave up just two runs, his control was off giving up four walks in 3 1/3 innings and he gave up five hits. I will say this… he did strike out six batters which might have helped in keeping the Musketeers to two runs.
The big heroes today are those from the Illini bullpen. Nick Blackburn, Ronnie Muck, Tyler Jay and Reid Roper pitched a combined total of 9 2/3 scoreless innings. Blackburn was key in getting the Illini out of the 4th inning jam while Tyler Jay pitched a full five innings giving up just two hits. Reid Roper who pitched the top of the 13th inning, got his first win of the 2014 season.
Offensively, check out Casey Fletcher’s line in the boxscore. He went 4 for 5 with two doubles. He of course, scored the winning run in the bottom of the 13th inning.
Next Up
This week, it’s the I-74 Matchup with Illinois traveling to Normal, Illinois to play the Illinois State University Redbirds. This game is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday at 6pm but FightingIllini.com has announced that this game could be moved to Wednesday due to the weather. Keep an eye on the Illinois Baseball schedule for up-to-date info.
Go Illini!