Three hits for Brandon Hohl
I’m not much in terms of fan support, I guess. When I left my office to watch the Illinois play Benedictine, Gametracker told me we were ahead 4-1. When I got to Illinois Field (just a hop, skip and a jump across the cemetery), they were still ahead 5-2. But once I started watching the game, everything fell apart. Benedictine put together a six-run six inning to make the score 8-5. Illinois did manage a run in the bottom of the ninth but that was it. Final score 8-6.
There was plenty of offense. Illinois actually outhit the Bulldogs 16 to12. Adam Davis, Brandon Hohl and Justin Parr all put together three-hit games. One of Davis’ hits was a triple in the first inning scoring Willie Argo.
Chris Pack took the mound in relief
It was the pitching that did Illinois in. Here’s an interesting stat: Brian de la Torriente gave up four earned runs in 1 1/3 innings and his ERA went down. He came into the game with a 99.00 mark.
Random Ramblings
Speaking of stats, if you had told me Josh Parr would be tied for the lead in homeruns on the team this point in the season, I would have thought you think you were crazy. Granted, it’s only 2 homeruns but he has 16 rbis to go with that. That’s tied for 3rd on the team.
When I look at other college baseball teams, it seems to me that they have one offensive player who is the key player in the lineup. Not so with the Illini. They appear to trade off on who is hot and who isn’t. I’m thinking that’s probably a good thing. Right now, Adam Davis, who didn’t start so hot, is really hitting the ball. So his Brandon Hohl but he’s is one who has been pretty consistent at the plate as well as in the field.
More photos of the game in the gallery. My camera has been sent away to be repaired and cleaned so I borrowed my son’s camera. The shots are ok but it’s analogous to your Mercedes Benz being in the shop and borrowing your kids’ Honda Civic. I sure miss it.
Next up
It is a Big Ten series this weekend against Iowa here at home. Friday’s game is at 6pm. That is, given the weather cooperates.