Missed opportunities: Illinois drops Big Ten opener vs Purdue 4-3

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Firstbaseman David Kerian flashes some leather during Friday’s game

It’s spring break but the Illinois baseball player cut theirs short to host the Purdue Boilermakers for the Big Ten opener this weekend at Illinois Field.  Unfortunately, game one was no vacation.  The Boilermakers held off an Illini ninth inning rally to take the opening game of the series, 4-3. 

The good guys almost pulled it off.  With the bases loaded and no outs in the ninth inning, it looked like Illinois was going to pull on out of the hat.  Will Krug managed to drive home a run with a hit to center.  A line drive out later, a bang-bang double play to the Purdue pitcher ended the Illini rally as quickly as it started and the visiting team went away happy.

 
The Illinois loss puts them at 12-11 overall but more importantly with an 0-1 conference record. 
 
Game #23 / March 28, 2014    
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I can’t emphasize that despite his loss, how well starter Drasen Johnson did off the mound.  He pitched effectively and minimized the effect of three Illini errors in the first four innings.  When Johnson gave up his second run in the eighth, Coach Hartleb thought he had enough.  Unfortunately.  Purdue kept hitting and ended up scoring three runs that inning, giving them a 4-2 lead. 

Will Krug, who went 2 for 4 with a rbi and a run scored, stole his 13th base of the season. 

Box Score

Wrap up

My photos from today’s game.

 

Next up

Illinois is scheduled to play Purdue Saturday at 3pm at Illinois Field.  Ryan Castellanos will take the mound.  The forecast is mostly sunny and 47 degrees so bring your coat. 

See you at the ballpark!

3 Comments:

  1. Thomas is Kevin Duchene hurt? I see he isn’t starting this wkend. Kid is a great pitcher, hope its nothing major. Glad B10 baseball is here, just wish the weather was better. Great job as always on the site.

  2. Hey Drew!
    I think they’re just being careful with him. They don’t want a repeat of Kevin Johnson from last year.

    http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/baseball/2014-03-27/illinois-cautious-duchenes-arm.html

  3. Nice read, thanks for the link. Glad its nothing serious.

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