Snow doesn’t deter Illinois as they sweep MSU

Snowy day

We got started early today at 11am because of the re-scheduled game from yesterday’s rained out affair.  So today instead of rain, we got snow.  Granted it wasn’t a blizzard or anything but dang, it was cold.  Towards the end of Game One, the snow stopped.  The sun even popped out for a bit at the top of the ninth and crowd cheered but that didn’t last long.  In all a cold blustery day.

But that didn’t stop Illinois from getting the job done twice.  They swept the doubleheader (and for that matter, the series) from Michigan State by the scores of 3-2 and 3-0, respectively.  We have a pair a freshman hurlers to thank for that.

Game One starter Bryan Roberts

Game 1 pitcher, Bryan Roberts pitched well allowing only two runs in eight innings.  He allowed seven hits and no walks.  The second run he allowed in the eighth tied up the game.  After that, Hartleb brought in Nick Chmielewski to relieve and set down the Spartans in order.

MSU calling for an intentional walk of Brandon Wikoff with two outs

Willie Argo (who I am looking forward to seeing more and more of) started off the ninth with a double.  A pair of walks (one intentional to Brandon Wikoff) loaded the bases which brought Dom Altobelli to the plate with two outs.

Now we were hoping for all kinds of things from Dom but mostly we just needed a hit.  I thought in the back of my head that a walk would work right here too but when he got a first strike and then a foul ball to put the count at 0-2,  I put it out of mind.

Then it happened.  He was hit by the pitcher, driving in the winning run.  Dom was so excited I think he almost forgot to go to first base.

Way to take one for the team, Dom!

Illinois wins 3-2  Box Score

Will Strack pitched a shutout in Game Two

After a 30 minute break, Game Two started and we had another freshman, Will Strack going on the mound.

And boy, did he ever pitch an excellent game!!

Strack dominated the Spartans fooling them with his pitches.  He pitched a complete game 4-hit shutout allowing just one walk.

Dom Altobelli was again the hero in Game Two but this time he did it in more conventional ways.  In the third inning, he blasted a two-run home run to left center driving in Casey McMurray.

Frosh 2B Josh Parr drove home Willie Argo with a triple in the 4th for the 3rd and final Illinois run.  Fortunately, with the way Strack was pitching, that would be the only offense they would need.

Strack and (I think) Josh Parr celebrating the doubleheader sweep!

Illinois wins 3-0  Box Score

One last thing… I love meeting parents of the players during ballgames.  You won’t find more die-hard fans than moms and dads, that’s for sure.

These four wanted me to take their picture after the doubleheader.

From left to right; John Lutes, Tony Cappetta, Kevin McMurray and Mike Altobelli.

More photos at the Photo Gallery