Series loss against Huskers gives Illinois a #3 seed in tourney

Is Kevin Duchene slated for Game 1 of the Big Ten Tournament? It’s probably fitting that the two second place teams who entered this weekend would have one of closest series of the Big Ten weekend.  Both teams have had won their share of three game sweeps but I had…

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Comeback! Illinois wins a wild one against Michigan State 5-4

David Kerian is welcomed back to the dugout by starting pitcher Drasen Johnson after scoring the winning run As some of the Illinois baseball “oldtimers” who have shown up for this weekend’s alumni festivities can attest, there something about a Illinois-Michigan State series. Adam Walton slaps a triple to drive…

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Illinois Baseball to host Wolverines this weekend

Shortstop Adam Walton brings a 10-game hitting streak into this weekend After two Big Ten weekends, Illinois Baseball is off to a 5-1 conference start (17-11 overall).  That by the way, is the best Big Ten start under Coach Dan Hartleb’s reign.  Illinois hopes to continue their good luck against…

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Illinois Baseball to help SIU inaugurate Itchy Jones Stadium this weekend

While every series with friendly rival Southern Illinois University is a little special, this weekend’s three-game set down in Carbondale holds a special meaning for both teams.  They will be breaking in the brand spanking new Itchy Jones Stadium, the new home for the SIU Salukis baseball team.  Itchy Jones…

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More photos from Saturday’s Hot Stove Banquet

Just a few more fun photos I took at last night’s Fighting Illini Baseball Hot Stove Banquet.  Photo op before the event.  From left to right, Dugout Club President Jon Swenson, Chris Robinson and Coach Dan Hartleb.   Former Illini Chris Robinson and Kyle Hudson greet each other at the…

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Chris Robinson a hit at Fighting Illini Hot Stove Banquet

It was a snowy Saturday afternoon but that didn’t keep throngs of Illinois Baseball fans from packing the Conference Center at the I Hotel in Champaign for the 2014 Fighting Illini Hot Stove Banquet.  The room was full of excitement and fun. Former Illini catcher Chris Robinson was the keynote…

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Game over: Illini bats dwindle against Gopher pitching, 3-1

Davis Hendrickson drove home the sole run in today’s loss In an elimination game against Minnesota at the Big Ten Tournament, Illinois (34-18) couldn’t hold on to a slim lead and lost 3-1 and will have to say goodbye to Minneapolis.  Ryan Castellanos was a hard luck loser as he…

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Illini Baseball find themselves closer to home this weekend

This weekend, the Illini head home.. almost.  They’re back in the state at least, playing Southern Illinois University down in Carbondale.  It’s a four-game weekend with a special Sunday game at Rent One Park home of the Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League.   Abe Martin Field Carbondale, IL…

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Series Preview: Illinois opens at Tennessee Tech

0-0 vs 0-0 T-minus two days before the 2013 season opener for the Fighting Illini Baseball team.  On Friday at 3pm, the challenge begins.  The challenge to see if Coach Hartleb’s Illini baseball team can come back from their lackluster finish in 2012.  Time will tell but I know the…

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