This weekend, Illinois baseball hosts the tough Purdue Boilermakers for a three-game series at Illinois Field. This will be the first home Big Ten series officially.
This is Mom’s Weekend at the U of I. There will be lots going on around campus and I’m sure the Illinois baseball program has something planned. Thanks to all the moms out there who raised their sons to be the people they are!
A word about Purdue: The Boilermakers have had a nationally recognized start in 2022. They were the last team in the country to remain undefeated. It wasn’t until Illinois State defeated them on March 17th when their 15-game streak was broken.
Purdue’s last game on March 29th didn’t go so well for them either. With a 9-0 lead in the 7th inning, Purdue lost to Illinois’ sister campus, UI-Chicago 10-9.
On the mound
Friday: Cole Kirschsieper 4-1, 2.57 ERA
Saturday: Riley Gowens 3-1, 5.00 ERA
Sunday: Jack Crowder 1-1, 6.23 ERA
I can’t say I’m too surprised by the probables this weekend. Riley Gowens appearance last weekend against Michigan State (6 IP, 2 H, 1 R) puts him solidly in the Illinois rotation. Kirsch continues to pitch at the top of his game.
Combined record for the three: 8-3
The weekend preview by Fighting Illini is here.
| Purdue Boilermakers | 18-2 |
| Illinois Field | Champaign, Illinois |
| Friday, April 1 | 6pm CT Saturday, April 2 | 3pm CT Sunday, April 3 | 1pm CT |  |
Random Ramblings
Illinois Baseball has announced the season promotions for 2022!
Last Friday was probably the best day of baseball for Illinois to this point. Not only did they reach .500 at 10-10 but they started out the Big Ten season with a 2-0 record. They swept Michigan State in a re-scheduled doubleheader and did it in style. The Illini scored 20 runs between the two games keeping the Spartans to five.
Because of inclement weather, the third game was played at home though technically, Illinois was the visitor. The Illini battled but could not overcome a five run deficit.
Relievers Alex Vera and Joseph Glassey did their best to keep the team in it.
Photos from last Sunday’s game at IBR’s photo gallery.
See you at the ballpark!