A few last minute notes before the Illini start the Keith LeClair Classic tomorrow:
According to fightingillini.com, Illinois is going with the same starters from last weekend…. Will Strack, Brian de la Torriente, and Kevin Johnson. Strack will have a tough job going against an East Carolina team that is ranked #21 right now. Their 4-3 record suggests that they CAN be beaten though.
A bit of trivia… the last time we played Western Carolina (was in the Stetson Tournament in 2006. That was former catcher Lars Davis’ first appearance for the Illini. He went 4 for 5 for the weekend with 4 rbis. A sign of things to come for that particular Illini Canadian catcher.
Illini closer Lee Zerrusen does another write-up for Diamond Notes #2. This is his second in a row… I’m sure but maybe he’ll be the team’s designated scribe… he does well at it. He gives a quick wrap-up of last weekend and a looks forward to this weekend.
He also introduces freshman reliever Tanner Libby (right):
Being the youngest member of the bullpen, (Tanner) got the distinguished honor of carrying a pink Barbie Princess backpack through the airport and to the games. This bag carries sunflower seeds, gum, and peanuts among other things for guys in the bullpen to have during the game.
Don’t feel too bad, Tanner. My 9-year old daughter thinks that’s pretty awesome. Watch out, everyone will want one soon enough.
Finally, I just want to remind everyone Illinois Baseball Report is on Facebook and on Twitter @illbaseballrpt. If that makes it easier for you to get updates, feel free to follow IBR in those ways.
Go Illini!!