Illinois Baseball Report

Drasen Johnson gets the ‘W’ in Illinois’ clinching victory

Illinois Baseball dropped their last game of the regular season to Minnesota but they still had plenty to be happy about.  With Friday’s 4-3 win over the Golden Gophers, the Orange and Blue will be advancing to the Big Ten Tournament next week. 

After all was said and done, the Illini finished in a fifth-place tie with Michigan with a 14-10 record. 

Here are the final Big Ten Baseball standings

 

 

The weather played a key part in Saturday’s game as the rains came which prompted a two-hour rain delay.  The Minnesota defense was factor as well.  There were four Gopher errors and each played a part in plating Illinois runs. 

Ryan Castellanos pitched solidly as he allowed just two runs in 4 2/3 innings. He even struck out five batters.  I can only assume the rain delay played a part in why he didn’t last longer in the game.  The bullpen pitched fantastically.  Drasen Johnson, Ronnie Muck and Bryan Roberts allowed just two hits in 4 1/3 innings.  Johnson (3-1) came away with the win and Roberts got his sixth save of 2013 in the 4-3 win.

Offensively, Thomas Lindauer (2 for 5) and Michael Hurwitz both had key rbi doubles and David Kerian collected two hits and an rbi. 

 

 

John Kravetz really pitched like a winner in this start and it’s a shame he couldn’t get the W.  He only gave up four hits and no walks in 7 plus innings.  Not only that, he took a no-no into the sixth inning, giving the Illini plenty of chances to score. 

Indeed it was a pitchers’ duel as Illinois even outhit Minnesota 7 to 5 but couldn’t plate any runs.  The Gophers put together a mini-rally in the eighth inning and scored two runs for the only offense for either team.  Final score:  Minnesota 2 Illinois 0.

Hard luck Kravetz ends the regular season with a 4-2 record. 

Random Ramblings

Illini fans must see this.  It’s a video of Bryan Roberts and Anthony Milazzo announcing Saturday’s Illinois lineup for the Big Ten Network broadcast.  Quite humorous. 

Congrats again to Justin Parr.  He has been named as a semi finalist for the 2013 Dick Howser Trophy.  A quick description of the Howser Trophy:

“The Dick Howser Trophy, given in memory of the former Florida State University All-America shortstop and major league player and manager, who died of brain cancer in 1987, is regarded by many as college baseball’s most prestigious award. Criteria for consideration of the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage, qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser’s life.”

Parr is among just 40 semi finalists up for the award. 

Next Up

The Illini get just a couple days off but the good news is that they won’t have to travel.  The Big Ten Tournament is right there in Minneapolis at Target Field.  Guess who they get to play??

That’s right, Minnesota.  Most likely, they will have starter Tom Windle going again but Illinois has already proven that we can beat him. 

Illinois and Minnesota will actually be playing Game One of the Tournament. Game time is Wednesday, May 22 at 12 noon.  Should Illinois win that game, they will play Thursday at 7pm.  If they lose, they will enter the loser’s bracket, and will play on Thursday at 3pm. 

Here is the entire Big Ten Baseball Tournament bracket.  There is much more info on the Tournament at the Big Ten website. 

Good luck Illini! 

Tags: big ten tournament, bryan roberts, david kerian, drasen johnson, john kravetz, Justin Parr, michael hurwitz, minnesota, thomas lindauer

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• Kevin Duchene shuts down Nits, 9-0 (0)

Filed under: Game Recaps on May 18th, 2013 | Leave a Comment! »

Kevin Duchene comes through again versus Minnesota

Kevin Duchene continues to pitch well as he won his eighth game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.  It was a key win as the Illini (32-15, 13-9 Big Ten) were facing a formidable pitcher in Tom Windle.  The Illinois offense managed to score four runs off Windle raising his ERA over 2.00.  Final Score:  Illinois 6 Minnesota 2

The win for Duchene matches the team high for a freshman set just last year by John Kravetz.  At 8-1 with a 2.67 ERA, Duchene is making a good case for himself to make the All-Big Ten Freshman squad. 

 

 

For the record, Duchene put in a solid performance pitching six innings and allowing just two runs.  He spread out six hits and again showed control by giving up just two walks. 

Both teams scored one in the first but it wasn’t until the fourth when the Illini’s Reid Roper drove home a run with a sac fly did another run score.  They added two more in the sixth when Jason Goldstein and Thomas Lindauer both came through with rbi singles.  And just in case, David Kerian drove home two with a double in the ninth inning. 

Though it wasn’t a save situation, Coach Hartleb wasn’t taking any chances.  He brought out the big guys from the bullpen in the 7th inning.  Ronnie Muck pitched two hitless innings and Bryan Roberts closed out the game with a perfect ninth. 

Big Ten Watch

With yesterday’s win and Penn State’s miracle win against Michigan State (11-9, 32-17 overall), Illinois’ magic number to make the Big Ten Tournament is down to one. 

 

Next Up

Today’s game is still in progress as I write this.  It started as scheduled at 2pm but there was a substantial rain delay and the game was continued at 4:30.  Currently, Illinois has a 4-2 lead after 6 innings.  Thomas Lindauer and David Kerian continue to rake the ball as they are both 2 for 3 with an rbi.  Jordan Parr is also 2 for 3 with a run scored. 

Good luck Illini! 

Tags: david kerian, jordan parr, kevin duchene, minnesota, thomas lindauer

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Filed under: Game Recaps on May 17th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

Kevin Duchene will take the mound vs Minnesota on Thursday

This weekend, Illinois heads north to Minneapolis to finish out the regular season against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. While both teams both have 12 conference wins, the Gophers (12-6, 29-18 overall) have three less losses than Illinois (12-9, 31-15 overall) and are in a three-way tie for second place.  Currently, Illinois is in a tie for fifth place with Michigan and hope to stay among the top six teams in order to advance to the Big Ten Tournament.

After his stunning performance last weekend against Penn State, Kevin Duchene gets the nod for Thursday’s start.  He’ll be going against tough Tom Windle who has a nasty 1.76 ERA.  Ryan Castellanos will be on the mound Saturday and sophomore John Kravetz will finish out the regular season on Sunday. 

 

 

Minnesota is probably on their toughest stretch all year.  They’ve lost three of their last four games.  Ironically, that started with their loss to Penn State two weekends ago.  Minnesota is a good team though and a lot of that comes from their pitching.  I’ve already mentioned starter Tom Windle who is one of the best pitchers in the Big Ten. 

The Gophers are ninth in the conference in hitting as well as homeruns so they have their Achilles heel.  As long as our guys can get to their pitching and do it early, we should be ok. 

It’s worth a reminder that the series is played a day early and all the games are played in the afternoon.  Thursday’s game starts at 3:05pm CT.  The Big Ten Network will be broadcasting Thursday’s and Friday’s game live. 

 

Random Ramblings

The Big Ten’s rules concerning season-ending ties aren’t always crystal clear.  Illinois found that out the hard way last year.  The good news?  B1G Baseball.com’s Chris Webb did the homework and determined that should Michigan and Illinois tie at the end of the regular season, Illinois would win the tie-breaker.  That’s one less thing for Illini fans to worry about. 

Some bittersweet news for Justin Parr… his 33-game hit streak is now the second highest in the country for 2013.  St. Mary’s Brendan Kalfus now has a 34 game hit streak which surpasses Parr.  Oh, so fleeting!  Fighting Illini Baseball also notes that Thomas Lindauer has the current highest streak on the team with 9 games. 

Go Illini!!

Tags: john kravetz, Justin Parr, kevin duchene, minnesota, ryan castellanos, streak, thomas lindauer

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Filed under: Game Previews on May 15th, 2013 | 1 Comment »

Kevin Duchene brings home the trophies

Congrats to Kevin Duchene who is putting more awards on the mantles of Illini players.  He not only garnered the Big Ten co-Pitcher of the Week award but also Freshman of the Week as well. 

Duchene pitched a complete game two-hit win on Friday night against Penn State.  Illinois won the game 9-0.  Duchene also struck out 11 batters in the effort.  He now leads the Illini with a 7-1 record.

Congratulations Kevin!!

Looking ahead

The Illini will need some of Kevin’s pitching prowess in a couple days against Minnesota.  Not to give any false hope to the Illini but I noticed that once-strong Minnesota team has lost four of their last five games.  Illinois will face the Golden Gophers for their last series of 2013 starting this Thursday. 

Tags: Awards, Big Ten, kevin duchene, minnesota

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Filed under: Awards on May 13th, 2013 | Leave a Comment! »

Celebration after Saturday’s win!

 

Illinois got the job done this weekend!  A three-game sweep is what the team needed against the Penn State Nittany Lions and that’s what they got.  With an 8-6 win on Saturday and a comeback 5-4 victory on Sunday, the Illini improve their conference record to 12-9 and more importantly, they are now tied for fifth place with Michigan. 

 

 

Ryan Castellanos gets win #3

On Saturday, it was business as usual as starter Ryan Castellanos pitched a fine game for his third win of 2013.  Illinois gave Castellanos plenty of support as they scored seven runs in the first three innings.  PSU did threaten late in the game, scoring three in the eighth but Ronnie Muck finished the Lions off for his second save of the year.

Brandon Hohl slides into third

Illinois put together five hits in the first inning including a Jordan Parr rbi single and rbi double by Brandon Hohl.  In the third, Jason Goldstein followed up Davis Hendrickson’s rbi hit with a two-run double.  By then, it was 7-1 and Illinois coasted until the eighth when Penn State mounted a rally. 

Justin Parr didn’t waste time getting his hit to extend his hitting streak on Saturday.  He singled in the first inning to make it 33 straight games, a NCAA high for 2013. 

 

 

Things seemed to be bit amiss on Senior Day.  Justin Parr wasn’t getting a hit and the Illini were losing as late as the seventh inning. 

Illinois, however did mount a rally in seventh inning to tie the game 4-4.  It was Thomas Lindauer who drove home two runs with a base hit followed by another run scoring hit by Jordan Parr.  Give Reid Roper credit for the game winning hit.  He drove home David Kerian with a single up the middle in the eighth inning. 

Starter John Kravetz pitched seven innings and allowed four runs, two earned.  Drasen Johnson got the win in relief, his second of the year.  Bryan Roberts pitched the ninth for his fifth save of the year. 

I’d like to write that Justin Parr got his hit in the ninth inning (as he has been prone to do lately).  Unfortunately, Mr. Parr went 0 for 2 with 2 walks on Sunday.  If I know Justin though, he’s happy with a win.  Nice streak, Justin!  Congratulations on probably the best offensive season I’ve ever witnessed. 

More photos from Saturday’s game here

Big Ten Watch

With the weekend over, Illinois is in a better place now.  They are 31-15 and 12-9 in conference play.  Take a look at how Michigan and Michigan State stack up against them now:

• Michigan (12-9) went 2-1 against Purdue and is tied with Illinois for 5th place. 
• Michigan State (10-8)was defeated by Iowa 2 games to 1 and slipped to 7th place. 

If it eventually matters, Michigan has the season advantage in case of a tie with Illinois. 

Random Ramblings

As much as I wanted to, I wasn’t able to make it to Sunday’s game.  From the reports, it looked like quite a game.  But some things like attention to the people in our lives on their special day, take precedence. 

I do want to personally thank the Senior players and their parents for their hard work and dedication in the past few years.  Thank you! 

 

Next Up

Now the hard work.  In a couple days, Illinois takes on Minnesota who had been atop the Big Ten standings for a good part of the conference season.  Currently, they are third with a 12-6 record (29-18 overall).  Nebraska just took them down a notch by winning two games at their home field this past weekend. 

The series will start Thursday because of the Big Ten Tournament next week.  Currently, they are scheduled as afternoon games.  Thursday’s game is at 1pm, Fridays is at 2pm and Saturday’s is at 1pm.

Go Illini! 

Tags: brandon hohl, bryan roberts, comeback, drasen johnson, john kravetz, jordan parr, Justin Parr, penn state, reid roper, ronnie muck, ryan castellanos, sweep, thomas lindauer

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• Illini host Penn State for last homestand of the season (0)

Filed under: Game Recaps on May 12th, 2013 | Leave a Comment! »

Kevin Duchene mowed down the opposition in Friday’s contest

Wow! We just need about five more games like these and we might be set. 

Kevin Duchene pitched one of the best performances we’ve seen this season tonight against Penn State.  Throwing a complete game two-hit shutout, Duchene struck out 11 PSU batters and kept them hitless until the seventh inning.  He won his team-high seventh game with Illinois’ 9-0 win over Penn State. 

Justin Parr launches one…

…and watches it sail toward the right field wall.

In addition, Justin Parr extended his hit streak in a big way, going 3 for 5 including his sixth homerun of year which started the ball rolling for the Illini in the third inning.  Parr’s streak is now at 32 games, highest in the NCAA.

 

 

Parr may have gotten things going in the third but practically everyone got into the action in the fourth when the Illini offense batted around the order.  Illinois put together seven hits and seven runs thanks in part to doubles by Davis Hendrickson, Michael Hurwitz and David Kerian plus key rbi singles by Thomas Lindauer, Jordan Parr, and Brandon Hohl. 

By then, it was 9-0 and it was up to Duchene to just get the Nits out… and he did that just fine.  Not only did he bring the no-hitter into the seventh and allow just two hits for the game, he only allowed only one walk.  I mentioned the eleven strikeouts, right? 

Nice job, Kevin!!

More photos from tonight here.

Big Ten Watch

With tonight’s win, Illinois is now 29-5 and 10-9 in conference play.  Here’s how their primary Big Ten competitors, Michigan and Michigan State, did tonight:

• Purdue did their best but Michigan (11-8) won a comeback game 9-8. 
• On the other hand, Iowa upset Michigan State (9-7), 6-2. 

Random Ramblings

According to FightingIllini.com, Duchene’s 11 Ks is the highest strikeout total since his coach, Drew Dickinson struck out 12 against Bucknell in 2002. 

When Justin Parr hit his two-run homer in the third inning, I exclaimed to the group around me, “Game Over”.  That received a few guffaws.  Let the record show that I was right.  :)

Don’t forget, Illini baseball cards will be available at Saturday’s game.  Here’s a sneak peek at what they will look like. Just save a pack for me, ok?

 

Next Up

Saturday’s game at Illinois Field against Penn State will begin at 1:05pm.  Ryan Castellanos (who apparently is very psyched) will be on the mound.

Go Illini! 

Tags: brandon hohl, david kerian, Davis Hendrickson, jordan parr, Justin Parr, kevin duchene, michael hurwitz, penn state, ryan castellanos, shutout, thomas lindauer

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Filed under: Game Recaps on May 10th, 2013 | Leave a Comment! »

 

Kevin Duchene and Ryan Castellanos both getting turns on the mound

Penn State will be coming to Illinois Field this weekend for Illinois’ last home stand of the 2013 season.  The Illini (28-15, 9-9 Big Ten) hope to add a few wins against the last place Nittany Lions (12-31, 3-15) before traveling to Minnesota for the last series of the year. 

It looks like Kevin Johnson will be out for the series.  Fortunately for the Illini, the coaching staff focused on pitching recruitment in past years and it’s paid off.  Two freshman, Kevin Duchene and Ryan Castellanos will be starting for the Illini on Friday and Saturday, respectively.  The two of them have a combined 8-2 record for the year.  Sophomore John Kravetz (4-1) will be on the mound for Senior Day on Sunday.  

 

 

Before we all point and laugh at Penn State’s 12-31 record (not to mention their 3-15 Big Ten record), consider this:  their stats really aren’t all THAT bad.  While they’ve been out hit (.255 to .283) and outpitched (4.77 ERA to 3.18), they don’t indicate a team that has lost as many that Penn State has.  I won’t sat who but there are other teams in the Big Ten with worst numbers. 

Keep in mind also that the last game that the Nits played, they defeated first place Minnesota Golden Gophers AND they swept Illinois just last year.  A little healthy respect is always in order no matter who your playing. 

The Nits’ pitching staff is a bit suspect though with the exception of closer Cody Lewis who had pitched well.  He’s got a 2.15 ERA in 17 appearances.  Luis Montesinos (.291, 21 rbis) and J.C. Coban (.287, 22 rbis) are both hitting well out of the Penn State lineup. 

Random Ramblings

One of the biggest concerns for this weekend is the weather.  The Illini can’t win unless the games are played.  It’s been rainy all day Thursday and we’re expecting more wet weather Friday morning.  Hopefully, it will clear up by evening so that the games can be played. 

Two promotions this Saturday:  There’s Bark in the Park where you are encouraged to bring your dog.  Also, if you have been wondering where the Illini baseball cards have been this year, there will be a limited set handed out on Saturday.  Personally, I like the baseball cards and look forward to getting a pack. 

If Mom is up for it on her special day, show up early for Sunday’s game.  It will be Senior Day.  If past years are any indication, there will be a short ceremony before the game where graduating players will receive recognition.  Fortunately, we’re not losing too many but the ones who are graduating have been quite important to the team in the last four years. 

Finally, my latest column is up at Smile Politely complete with a pensive Justin Parr photo. 

Go Illini!!

Tags: john kravetz, Justin Parr, kevin duchene, Kevin Johnson, penn state, ryan castellanos

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Filed under: Game Previews on May 9th, 2013 | Leave a Comment! »

Justin Parr:  Illinois’ Hit-man

With last weekend’s 1-2 loss against Michigan State, things are getting a little more dire for Illinois Baseball.  There are just two more series left in the regular season.  While they are a respectable 9-9 in conference play, that’s still just good enough for 7th place.  They’ll need to step it up to get up into the top six so they can to the Big Ten Tournament. 

Looking at the Big Ten standings, it seems that we can break the teams down into three camps.  The top four, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio State and Nebraska, all seem to have a lock on a tourney berth barring any major breakdown in the next two weekends. The bottom four, Northwestern Iowa, Purdue, and Penn State, are pretty much out of the picture.  Northwestern is the best of that bunch with an 8-13 record. 

That leaves three teams to fight it out for two spots.  Those teams are, in order:

• Michigan State  9-6
• Michigan  10-8
• Illinois  9-9

First the bad news

• Michigan State, who already has a slight advantage, gets to play Penn State and Iowa for their last two series.  Those teams have a combined conference record of 8-26. 
• The Spartans are on a 7-3 roll against conference teams as well.
• Illinois will play first place Minnesota for their last series of the year. 

Now, the good news

• Illinois will also play last place Penn State as well this weekend. 
• Michigan will play two tough teams.  They play Nebraska (12-6) and Purdue who are probably the best Big Ten with a losing record in my opinion. 
• Most importantly, Illinois has the best overall record among the three teams. 

Once again, it will be a close one.  Illinois just needs to concentrate on playing good ball and winning the game at hand and not worry about standings and the tournament.  Let the media do that. 

Before I get off the Big Ten topic, congrats to Penn State on their win on Sunday over Minnesota last weekend.  I’m not a fan of either team but I know it’s been a long year for the Nits.  That win against the first place team had to feel good. 

 

Justin Parr broke the team record for consecutive games with a hit but he certainly didn’t stop there.  This past weekend against the Spartans, he kept hitting and brought the streak up to 31 games.  That is now the current highest streak in the NCAA for 2013.  Not only that, Parr has the highest batting average in Division I.  He passed Jimmy Yezzo with his .434 mark. 

For the record, Parr can tie the all-time Big Ten record if he hits in ten more games.  Just one more reason to go to the Big Ten Tournament. 

Finally, if those of you have been waiting to go to an Illinois Baseball game, this weekend is your last chance!  Get on out there and root our guys on! Friday’s game time is 6pm.  Saturday’s starts at 1pm and Sunday has an early start at 11am. 

Tags: Justin Parr, michigan state, standings

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Filed under: Big Ten, Game Recaps on May 7th, 2013 | Leave a Comment! »

 

Kevin Duchene gets the start on Saturday against the Spartans

Illinois travels to East Lansing this weekend to take on the Michigan State Spartans.  The series takes on special meaning as the Spartans (24-13, 7-5 Big Ten) reside one spot above Illinois in the conference standings.  A series win would go a long way in moving the team up a spot or two.  Illinois is currently 8-7 in Big Ten play and even two wins would put them above MSU. 

I’m glad to see that Kevin Johnson (6-2) is scheduled to pitch on Friday.  KJ was sidelined last weekend at the last minute due to shoulder tightness.  Kevin Duchene (6-1) who took on the starting role for Johnson last weekend will get a repeat performance on Saturday.  John Kravetz (4-1) has the mound on Sunday and will try for his second win in two weeks.

 

Mother Nature unwittingly gave Michigan State a helping hand as all three of their games against now first place Minnesota have were cancelled in mid-April due the massive snowstorm that made games unplayable at the Gophers’ Siebert Field.  The Illini who play Minnesota in mid-May won’t be able to count on that kind of luck (nor would they want to, knowing our guys).

No matter the year, no matter the circumstances, Illinois and MSU have always played close, tough series. This year, the Spartans have pretty decent pitching including a formidable bullpen.  Starter Andrew Waszak is also 4-2 with a 2.44 ERA in 10 starts. 

The thing about MSU is their inconsistency.  The same team that was beat by Michigan three games is the same one that came back the very next weekend and swept a very excellent Indiana team.  The question is:  Which team will we see this weekend? 

Random Ramblings

Crucial is the word of the day.  I don’t think this is planned but both Illinois and Michigan State have used the word ‘Crucial’ in the headline of their weekend preview press release to describe the upcoming series.  If the shoe fits…

Maybe Jordan Parr thought twin brother Justin was getting too much press lately.  His seven rbis on Tuesday against Southern Illinois was the most by an Illini since former Illinois catcher Chris Robinson accomplished that feat in 2004 against McMurray State. 

Speaking of the Parr twins, I do my best to keep them straight.  In two years, I don’t think I’ve had any mix-ups.  It has been brought to my attention though, that twice in the last two weeks, I’ve used one’s name instead of the other.  Jordan and Justin, don’t take it personally. 

At least, I didn’t call you Josh.  :)

Go Illini!!

Tags: john kravetz, jordan parr, Justin Parr, kevin duchene, Kevin Johnson, michigan state

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Filed under: Game Previews on May 2nd, 2013 | 1 Comment »

Justin Parr advances to third in today’s victory against the Wildcats

Sunday’s conclusion of the Illinois-Northwestern series at Illinois Field included just about everything… a Justin Parr hit (two, actually) to extend his hitting streak, a comeback for the Illini (26-3, 8-7 Big Ten) and a perhaps too-exciting-but-successful-nonetheless save for Bryan Roberts. 

Illinois won the game 5-3 keyed by a three-hit, four run rally in the eighth inning.  Ronnie Muck got his second win of the day while Bryan Roberts earned his fourth save. 

 

 

The Wildcats got to starter Ryan Castellanos for two runs in the first inning but #20 eventually settled down keeping the opposition scoreless for the next three innings before getting relieved by Ronnie Muck (left).  With the score 3-2 going into the eighth, the Illinois batters got to work on Northwestern’s starter Zach Morton.  Before he was gone, he was tagged with five earned runs and eventually the loss. 

Morton gave up a leadoff walk then a hit to Jason Goldstein.  One out later, Michael Hurwitz drove in the tying run with a key hit which scored both runners.  Hurwitz ended up on third due to a NW error which prompted the Wildcats to intentionally walk Justin Parr.  Fortunately, Parr had already gotten a hit today or there would have been a lot more booing than there was.

Brother Jordan Parr made them pay though with an rbi single.  Brandon Hohl got an insurance run with a sac fly making it 5-3. 

Going into the ninth, Bryan Roberts came in for the save.  His line looks pretty good… 1 IP, 0 H. 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  I’ll tell you it was a lot more complicated than that.  With the walk, an error and a hit by pitch, the bases were loaded before Bryan’s work was done.  But B-Rob can go home a happy man because he’s got another save in the book. 

Nice job, guys! 

 

More photos from today here.

Random Ramblings

Reading the paper this morning, I was a little disappointed in the News-Gazette coverage of Justin Parr breaking the record of the hitting streak.  I had to turn to page 5 of the sports section before I could read anything about it. 

C’mon N-G!  We’re in the middle of the Big Ten season, our team just won a game and one of our best players just broke a team record and is still ranked among the active NCAA players.  I know college baseball isn’t a “revenue sport” but throw them a bone, huh?

Next Up

Southern Illinois University is coming to Illinois Field on Tuesday night.  Gametime is 6:05pm.  Illinois swept SIU three games back in mid-March. 

Go Illini! 

Tags: bryan roberts, comeback, jason goldstein, jordan parr, Justin Parr, michael hurwitz, northwestern, ronnie muck, ryan castellanos, streak

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Filed under: Game Recaps on April 28th, 2013 | 2 Comments »