Illinois to host Lopes of GCU this weekend

This weekend, the Illini will take a break from Big Ten action.  Fortunately for us, they will still be playing and even better, they will be here in Champaign at Illinois Field.  They will host the Lopes of Grand Canyon University (20-16) who reside in first place of  the Western Athletic Conference. 

The Illini are coming off a Big Ten sweep of Rutgers last weekend but a tough midweek loss against Valparaiso on Tuesday.  With a 9-3 conference mark, they stand at third place behind Michigan (8-0) and Minnesota (7-1). 

 

Pitching Probables

Friday: Andy Fisher (3-0, 4.15 ERA)

Saturday: Quinn Snarskis  (4-1, 3.67 ERA)

Sunday: Ty Weber (4-1, 3.00 ERA)

When your team goes 3-0, you don’t change the rotation. 

At least that’s what I’m thinking what’s going through Coach Hartleb’s mind.  Quinn Snarskis had an especially good performance last Saturday with no earned run in 6 2/3 innings against Rutgers. 

 

 

What is Grand Canyon University?  I’m not sure if we have ever played them before.  Looking at their record, they are doing okay this year.  More than okay actually.  The Lopes sport a 20-16 record with a 10-2 Western Athletic Conference mark.  They even defeated #7 Texas Christian in the first weekend of the year.  They also won two against tough UNLV. 

This will be their second foray into Big Ten territory this year.  They swept Penn State three games earlier in March.  Not surprisingly, the Lopes boast a pretty decent run differential.  They have scored 220 runs compared to their opponents’ 197. 

This won’t be a walk in the (National) park.

 

Follow the games:  @IlliniBaseball  || WDWS AM-1400  || Fighting Illini Sports Network || Live Stats

 

Random Ramblings

It was a tough loss on Tuesday against Valparaiso.  Traditionally, midweek games have been Illinois’ downfall no matter how good the teams are.  The 11-7 loss broke  Illinois’ five game win streak. 

If you’re interested I took a few photos at Tuesday’s game. 

 

 

 

 

There will be plenty of promotions and other worthy events this weekend. 

Friday:  Alumni Day (keep an eye out for former Illini players!), also free keychains for the first 250 fans

Saturday:  Honor and Serve Day which includes a benefit jersey auction, also kids get to run the bases after the game!

Sunday: Bring your dog ‘cause it’s Bark in the Park, also there’s Wiffleball after the game. 

 

Ben Troike, Bren Spillane, Ryan Thompson, and Joey Gerber will continue to work their record-breaking magic this weekend. 

Troike has reached base every game this year.  Spillane is ready to make the Illinois single season top ten in homeruns.  He is just one dinger away.  Thompson is tied for sixth nationally in wins with seven.  Finally, Joey Gerber’s 11 saves is 4th highest in the nation. 

Go Illini!!