Illinois Baseball Report

Justin Parr:  Illinois’ Hit-man

With last weekend’s 1-2 loss against Michigan State, things are getting a little more dire for Illinois Baseball.  There are just two more series left in the regular season.  While they are a respectable 9-9 in conference play, that’s still just good enough for 7th place.  They’ll need to step it up to get up into the top six so they can to the Big Ten Tournament. 

Looking at the Big Ten standings, it seems that we can break the teams down into three camps.  The top four, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio State and Nebraska, all seem to have a lock on a tourney berth barring any major breakdown in the next two weekends. The bottom four, Northwestern Iowa, Purdue, and Penn State, are pretty much out of the picture.  Northwestern is the best of that bunch with an 8-13 record. 

That leaves three teams to fight it out for two spots.  Those teams are, in order:

• Michigan State  9-6
• Michigan  10-8
• Illinois  9-9

First the bad news

• Michigan State, who already has a slight advantage, gets to play Penn State and Iowa for their last two series.  Those teams have a combined conference record of 8-26. 
• The Spartans are on a 7-3 roll against conference teams as well.
• Illinois will play first place Minnesota for their last series of the year. 

Now, the good news

• Illinois will also play last place Penn State as well this weekend. 
• Michigan will play two tough teams.  They play Nebraska (12-6) and Purdue who are probably the best Big Ten with a losing record in my opinion. 
• Most importantly, Illinois has the best overall record among the three teams. 

Once again, it will be a close one.  Illinois just needs to concentrate on playing good ball and winning the game at hand and not worry about standings and the tournament.  Let the media do that. 

Before I get off the Big Ten topic, congrats to Penn State on their win on Sunday over Minnesota last weekend.  I’m not a fan of either team but I know it’s been a long year for the Nits.  That win against the first place team had to feel good. 

 

Justin Parr broke the team record for consecutive games with a hit but he certainly didn’t stop there.  This past weekend against the Spartans, he kept hitting and brought the streak up to 31 games.  That is now the current highest streak in the NCAA for 2013.  Not only that, Parr has the highest batting average in Division I.  He passed Jimmy Yezzo with his .434 mark. 

For the record, Parr can tie the all-time Big Ten record if he hits in ten more games.  Just one more reason to go to the Big Ten Tournament. 

Finally, if those of you have been waiting to go to an Illinois Baseball game, this weekend is your last chance!  Get on out there and root our guys on! Friday’s game time is 6pm.  Saturday’s starts at 1pm and Sunday has an early start at 11am. 

Tags: Justin Parr, michigan state, standings

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• Kravetz helps keep Illinois in the Tourney (0)
• Justin Parr, Kevin Duchene and Co. honored by Big Ten (1)
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• Illini head north in hopes to clinch a postseason berth (1)
• Illini sweep Penn State! (0)

Filed under: Big Ten, Game Recaps on May 7th, 2013 | Leave a Comment! »

 

Kevin Duchene gets the start on Saturday against the Spartans

Illinois travels to East Lansing this weekend to take on the Michigan State Spartans.  The series takes on special meaning as the Spartans (24-13, 7-5 Big Ten) reside one spot above Illinois in the conference standings.  A series win would go a long way in moving the team up a spot or two.  Illinois is currently 8-7 in Big Ten play and even two wins would put them above MSU. 

I’m glad to see that Kevin Johnson (6-2) is scheduled to pitch on Friday.  KJ was sidelined last weekend at the last minute due to shoulder tightness.  Kevin Duchene (6-1) who took on the starting role for Johnson last weekend will get a repeat performance on Saturday.  John Kravetz (4-1) has the mound on Sunday and will try for his second win in two weeks.

 

Mother Nature unwittingly gave Michigan State a helping hand as all three of their games against now first place Minnesota have were cancelled in mid-April due the massive snowstorm that made games unplayable at the Gophers’ Siebert Field.  The Illini who play Minnesota in mid-May won’t be able to count on that kind of luck (nor would they want to, knowing our guys).

No matter the year, no matter the circumstances, Illinois and MSU have always played close, tough series. This year, the Spartans have pretty decent pitching including a formidable bullpen.  Starter Andrew Waszak is also 4-2 with a 2.44 ERA in 10 starts. 

The thing about MSU is their inconsistency.  The same team that was beat by Michigan three games is the same one that came back the very next weekend and swept a very excellent Indiana team.  The question is:  Which team will we see this weekend? 

Random Ramblings

Crucial is the word of the day.  I don’t think this is planned but both Illinois and Michigan State have used the word ‘Crucial’ in the headline of their weekend preview press release to describe the upcoming series.  If the shoe fits…

Maybe Jordan Parr thought twin brother Justin was getting too much press lately.  His seven rbis on Tuesday against Southern Illinois was the most by an Illini since former Illinois catcher Chris Robinson accomplished that feat in 2004 against McMurray State. 

Speaking of the Parr twins, I do my best to keep them straight.  In two years, I don’t think I’ve had any mix-ups.  It has been brought to my attention though, that twice in the last two weeks, I’ve used one’s name instead of the other.  Jordan and Justin, don’t take it personally. 

At least, I didn’t call you Josh.  :)

Go Illini!!

Tags: john kravetz, jordan parr, Justin Parr, kevin duchene, Kevin Johnson, michigan state

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• Kravetz helps keep Illinois in the Tourney (0)
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• Getting closer: Illini take game 1 against Minnesota on Thursday (2)

Filed under: Game Previews on May 2nd, 2013 | 1 Comment »

Justin Parr advances to third in today’s victory against the Wildcats

Sunday’s conclusion of the Illinois-Northwestern series at Illinois Field included just about everything… a Justin Parr hit (two, actually) to extend his hitting streak, a comeback for the Illini (26-3, 8-7 Big Ten) and a perhaps too-exciting-but-successful-nonetheless save for Bryan Roberts. 

Illinois won the game 5-3 keyed by a three-hit, four run rally in the eighth inning.  Ronnie Muck got his second win of the day while Bryan Roberts earned his fourth save. 

 

 

The Wildcats got to starter Ryan Castellanos for two runs in the first inning but #20 eventually settled down keeping the opposition scoreless for the next three innings before getting relieved by Ronnie Muck (left).  With the score 3-2 going into the eighth, the Illinois batters got to work on Northwestern’s starter Zach Morton.  Before he was gone, he was tagged with five earned runs and eventually the loss. 

Morton gave up a leadoff walk then a hit to Jason Goldstein.  One out later, Michael Hurwitz drove in the tying run with a key hit which scored both runners.  Hurwitz ended up on third due to a NW error which prompted the Wildcats to intentionally walk Justin Parr.  Fortunately, Parr had already gotten a hit today or there would have been a lot more booing than there was.

Brother Jordan Parr made them pay though with an rbi single.  Brandon Hohl got an insurance run with a sac fly making it 5-3. 

Going into the ninth, Bryan Roberts came in for the save.  His line looks pretty good… 1 IP, 0 H. 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  I’ll tell you it was a lot more complicated than that.  With the walk, an error and a hit by pitch, the bases were loaded before Bryan’s work was done.  But B-Rob can go home a happy man because he’s got another save in the book. 

Nice job, guys! 

 

More photos from today here.

Random Ramblings

Reading the paper this morning, I was a little disappointed in the News-Gazette coverage of Justin Parr breaking the record of the hitting streak.  I had to turn to page 5 of the sports section before I could read anything about it. 

C’mon N-G!  We’re in the middle of the Big Ten season, our team just won a game and one of our best players just broke a team record and is still ranked among the active NCAA players.  I know college baseball isn’t a “revenue sport” but throw them a bone, huh?

Next Up

Southern Illinois University is coming to Illinois Field on Tuesday night.  Gametime is 6:05pm.  Illinois swept SIU three games back in mid-March. 

Go Illini! 

Tags: bryan roberts, comeback, jason goldstein, jordan parr, Justin Parr, michael hurwitz, northwestern, ronnie muck, ryan castellanos, streak

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• Illinois Baseball plans for extended stay in Minneapolis (0)
• Getting closer: Illini take game 1 against Minnesota on Thursday (2)

Filed under: Game Recaps on April 28th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

26 games in a row:  Justin Parr’s infield hit to short breaks the record.

Just as the game between the Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats began on Saturday afternoon, it began to rain.  It was a little mist at first but a steady rain soon followed.  The bad weather didn’t dampen the Illinois bats though.  They scored plenty, plating 12 runs against Wildcat pitching and winning 12-3.  With the win, Illinois (25-13) evens their conference record at 7-7.

And in case you’re wondering, Justin Parr DID break the all time record for consecutive games with a hit.  With a dribbling infield single to the shortstop in the third inning, Parr makes it 26 in a row breaking Ryan Snowden’s former record.  Parr is probably happier than anyone to get the record out of the way so they can focus on winning ball games.   Justin, congratulations on the great effort! 

 

 

With the win, John Kravetz is now 4-1

John Kravetz pitched a fantastic game.  He spread out ten hits over seven innings and the net result was just three Wildcat runs.  He struck out seven batters and walked one.  Andrew Mamlic did a fine job out of the pen pitching two scoreless innings.

Justin Parr had more work to do once he broke the hit streak record.  In fact, both Parr brothers contributed greatly to today’s effort.  Justin was 2 for 4 with three rbis while Jordan Parr was 2 for 4 with two rbis which came on a bizarre bases-loaded hit and error by the Wildcat left fielder which cleared the bases.  

Reid Roper ended up with two doubles on the day while Thomas Lindauer went 3 for 5 with a double. 

More of my photos here.  Not too many today…  It was awfully wet. 

 

Random Ramblings

I really enjoy talking to Catherine Kravetz, John’s mom.  On days, that her son is pitching though, she is somewhat nervous.  She tells me that she watches her other son, Jeremy Kravetz who pitches in high school in the morning then hurries down here to watch John.  I suppose I’d be on edge too.  Unlike some moms, who sit in the bleachers, Catherine paces back and forth and chats with everyone.  Fortunately today, the Illinois offense gave John plenty of support. 

More alumni 

I got to see some more old friends today.  I was happy to see former Illini thirdbaseman Dom Altobelli at the game today.  He came up to me and we chatted about old times and caught up on what we’ve been up to. 

How many of these former players do you hard core Illini fans remember?  From left to right, it’s John Anderson, Wes Braun, Pete Cappetta and Mike Giller.  Seems like it was just yesterday when we saw these guys on the field.

Next Up

Sunday’s game at Illinois Field will be at 1pm.  I’m seeing conflicting reports on the weather but what I’m seeing right now is partly sunny in the 60s so I’m hopeful. 

Freshman Ryan Castellanos is slated to be on the mound for “Honor and Serve Day”. 

Go Illini! 

Tags: andrew mamlic, blowout, john anderson, john kravetz, Justin Parr, mike giller, northwestern, pete cappetta, reid roper, streak, thomas lindauer, weather, wes braun

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• Illini head north in hopes to clinch a postseason berth (1)

Filed under: Game Recaps on April 27th, 2013 | Leave a Comment! »

Kevin Duchene hopes his rally cap with induce some Illini runs

Friday night, Illinois and Northwestern were locked in an back-and forth extra-inning battle.  The Wildcats eventually won the game 4-3 in 13 innings.  For a few innings though, I saw some of the most exciting baseball at Illinois Field this year. 

Justin Parr did tie Ryan Snowden’s team record of 25 consecutive games with a hit.  It was close.  Parr didn’t get his hit until the ninth inning when he singled.  That was a key hit as he eventually scored the tying run forcing the game into extras.

 

 

Kevin Johnson was scratched for Friday’s start.  Rumor has it that KJ is having a little shoulder issues would be out for the weekend.  Fortunately, we had Kevin Duchene ready to go and he pitched really well.  He allowed just 5 hits in 6 2/3 innings giving up one earned run.  By the end of eight innings, it was still just 2-1 Northwestern.  The ‘Cats Luke Farrell was pitching a masterpiece. 

Roper responds with a game tying sac fly

Then it became a crazy house at Illinois Field.  With Justin Parr leading off the bottom of the ninth by getting his hit, the Illini offense mounted a rally. With runners on second and third, Northwestern decided to intentionally walk David Kerian.  Reid Roper responded with a sac fly which was enough to get the Illini to the next frame. 

With Bryan Roberts on the mound in the 10th, Trevor Stevens hit a solo homer to retake the lead.  Illinois responded in the bottom half by scoring one of their own with Jordan Parr driving home Thomas Lindauer. 

The score remained the same through the 11th and 12th innings then Northwestern put one up in the 13th on a Jack Havey homerun.  Kyle Ruchim who was pitching his fifth inning of relief for the Wildcats by now, got through the 13th and chalked up a win for the visiting team.  Bryan Roberts got the loss and is now 3-2 on the year. 

More of my photos here

 

Random Ramblings

There were quite a few Illini baseball alumni in the crowd Friday night including former Illini pitcher Wes Braun (left).  Apparently, his dad was there too.  I didn’t get a chance to see him but I certainly heard him.  “Make him work, kid!”

Brandon Hohl got his 200th hit in Friday’s game according to Wayne Hohl.  With a little help from Ronnie Muck who convinced the batboy to switch the balls with the umpire, Wayne was able to procure the ball that Brandon hit.  Nice work, Ronnie and congrats, Brandon! 

Speaking of Ronnie Muck, that was quite a relief appearance he made last night.  In 1 2/3 innings, he struck out three batters but only pitched three balls in his whole appearance. 

Next Up

Time for some catching up to do.  Illinois takes on the Wildcats at 3:05pm at Illinois Field.  John Kravetz who is due for a win, is on the mound. 

Go Illini! 

Tags: bryan roberts, extra-inning, injury, Justin Parr, kevin duchene, Kevin Johnson, northwestern, one-run games, reid roper, ronnie muck, ryan snowden, thomas lindauer, wes braun

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• Getting closer: Illini take game 1 against Minnesota on Thursday (2)

Filed under: Game Recaps on April 27th, 2013 | 1 Comment »

 

Justin Parr:  On the verge of tying the record

University of Illinois baseball welcomes the Northwestern Wildcats to Illinois Field this weekend.  In seventh place in the Big Ten, the Illini (24-15, 6-6) hope to capitalize big as they enter the second half of the Big Ten season. 

The starting pitchers remain the same for the upcoming series.  Kevin Johnson goes for his 7th win on Friday.  On Saturday, John Kravetz will be on the mound and Sunday, freshman Ryan Castellanos will wrap up the series. 

 

In recent history, the Wildcats have been up and down in the Big Ten baseball scene.  This year, they’ve done well overall but have stumbled against conference opponents, particularly Minnesota who took them for a three-game sweep earlier this month. 

The ‘Cats have a decent offense.  Their .283 batting average is fourth in the Big Ten led by Kyle Ruchim who ranks sixth overall in the conference.  Their pitching isn’t bad either with a 3.23 ERA, also fourth in the Big Ten.  Ruchim also doubles as a closer and sports a 0.72 ERA in 11 appearances.  Starting pitchers Luke Farrell and Zach Morton both have ERAs under 2.00 but somehow have a combined 5-4 won-loss record between the two of them. 

Random Ramblings

Thomas Lindauer:  On the list

Congrats to Thomas Lindauer… for the second year in a row, he was named to Brooks Wallace Shortstop of the Year watch list.  He joins Indiana’s Michael Basil and Ohio State’s Kirby Pellant from the Big Ten on the elite list of college baseball shortstops.

 

Justin Parr is 3rd in Div I

Justin Parr is on the verge of tying the Illinois record for most consecutive games with a hit.  With a hit on Friday, he will tie former Illinois outfielder Ryan Snowden’s record of 25 straight games.  Currently, Parr is hitting .435 which ranks 6th in the nation, third in Division I, and is tops in the Big Ten.

A couple of Fighting Illini promotions this weekend for fans to be aware:    On Saturday and Sunday, Illinois Baseball will be collecting food to be donated to the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.  It’s a good cause so bring something good.  There’s more info on the FightingIllini.com website.

Sunday has also been designated as “Honor and Serve Day”.  Special jerseys will be auctioned off and proceeds will go to locally-operated Roundhouse, a conflict-resolution organization that helps families in the area. 

And as always, I encourage you to read my latest column at Smile Politely that got posted today.

Go Illini!!

Tags: john kravetz, Justin Parr, Kevin Johnson, northwestern, ryan castellanos, thomas lindauer

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Filed under: Game Previews on April 25th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

Justin Parr:  24 and counting…

Illinois couldn’t pull out a victory against the Buckeyes in their rubber game on Sunday losing 7-3.  The loss gives the Illini a 6-6 conference record and puts them in seventh place in the Big Ten. 

 

 

Illinois got off to a quick 2-0 start Sunday in the first inning but it all came down to nasty six-run rally by the Buckeyes in the second.  Illinois could never recover and lost 7-3.

Thomas Lindauer went 3 for 4 and scored two runs.  Also, Justin Parr did manage two hits on the day.  That gives him a 24-game hit streak and he’s one game behind all-time Illini leader Ryan Snowden. 

1. Ryan Snowden 25 games (2/25/07-4/14/07)
2. Justin Parr 24 games (3/9/13-present)
3. Tom Sinak 23 games (4/17/94-3/5/95) 

 

Next Up

The Illini are looking for revenge this Tuesday against Eastern Illinois University.  Illinois lost against the Panthers earlier this season at Illinois Field and hope to return the favor while playing on EIU’s home field.  Game time is 6pm at Peterson Park in Mattoon, Illinois.  JD Nielsen (right) gets his first start of the year for Illinois. 

Go Illini! 

Tags: eastern illinois, jd nielsen, Justin Parr, ohio state, streak, thomas lindauer

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• Getting closer: Illini take game 1 against Minnesota on Thursday (2)
• Illini head north in hopes to clinch a postseason berth (1)

Filed under: Game Previews, Game Recaps on April 22nd, 2013 | Leave a Comment! »

Kevin Johnson: all time Illini leader with 333 innings

Illinois and Ohio State split their first two games in Columbus this weekend.  Kevin Johnson won Friday’s game in a record breaking fashion 9-2.  On Saturday, it was a narrow defeat for the Illini (24-11, 6-5 Big Ten) as they lost in extras 7-6

Both teams play on Sunday for the rubber game at 11am to conclude the weekend series.  

 

 

Kevin Johnson became the all-time leader in innings pitched by an Illini pitcher when he passed former leader Mark Dressen.  Johnson (right, seen in 2009 Fall practice before he even threw a competitive pitch for the Illini) took a no-hitter into the sixth inning against the Buckeyes on Friday and now has a even 333 career innings. Johnson has not missed a start in his career. 

Also on Friday, Justin Parr continued his hitting streak by hitting a bases loaded triple in the sixth inning against the Bucks.  That makes 22 in a row. 

Jordan Parr and Davis Hendrickson both contributed three hits in the 9-2 Illinois win. 

 

 

Sometimes, I should keep my mouth shut…  like last Thursday.  Tough loss, Bryan. 

Justin Parr did provide the silver lining on the cloudy day.  He extended his hit streak to 23 games with two hits.  That ties the second highest streak in school history with Tom Sinak (1994-95). 

Ohio State won the game 7-6 in a roller coaster extra-inning game that had four lead changes. 

 

Next Up

The Illini finish up with the Buckeyes today.  The game is in progress as I write this with Ryan Castellanos on the mound for the Illini.  In the second, their have already been a couple lead changes.  Unfortunately, Ohio State has put up six runs in the second inning so the Illinois bats will have some work do to. 

Go Illini! 

Tags: bryan roberts, Justin Parr, Kevin Johnson, ohio state, records, ryan castellanos, streak

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• Illini sweep Penn State! (0)

Filed under: Game Recaps on April 21st, 2013 | Leave a Comment! »

 

Reid Roper has hit three HR in his last three games

After their three-game sweep of Purdue last weekend, Illinois baseball hopes to continue their conference success this coming weekend against the Ohio State Buckeyes.  Ohio State (23-12, 7-5 Big Ten) is one spot above the Illini in the standings at fifth place so I don’t need to remind anyone of the importance of this series. 

in addition to Kevin Johnson and John Kravetz, it looks like Ryan Castellanos (2-0) will get the the third start.  Castellanos will be going for his third straight win. 

 

Traditionally one of the best Big Ten baseball teams, Ohio State still has one of better squads in the conference though they’re facing more competition in 2013.  That’s probably why we’re seeing a less-than-stellar 7-5 record from the Buckeyes.  Nonetheless, they are always a team to be reckoned.

They’ve had a tough non-conference schedule (a pattern among Big Ten teams this year, it seems).  In conference, they have beaten the teams they were supposed to (a sweep of Purdue) and held their own against the tougher opponents ( 1-2 vs Michigan St and Minnesota).  They’re now embarking on a seven game home stand starting with Illinois so a rude awakening in Columbus would be welcome from our perspective. 

The Buckeyes do have tough pitching this year.  Their team ERA is a miniscule 2.68 led by starters Brian King (5-4, 2.34) and Brad Goldberg (2.42, 5-0).  King won’t give out any free rides, either.  He’s only walked nine batters in 61 2/3 innings. 

Random Ramblings

Thomas Lindauer… I have talked about his upswing in power a lot lately.  He’s now leading the Big Ten in homers with eight.  Here’s something else I just learned from the Fighting Illini weekend preview;  The 2013 Illinois Baseball team has already surpassed the homerun total from 2012.  They now have 24 dingers compared to last year’s 18.

I’m not normally a superstitious guy except when it comes to baseball maybe.  I noticed a week ago that Bryan Roberts (right) hadn’t given up a run all year but decided to not say anything.  Players and some fans can be quite funny about making things like that public.  However, I noticed fightingillini.com let the cat out of the bag. 

Yes, Roberts has pitched 12 scoreless innings this year allowing just seven hits and one walk.  Remember, B-Rob, if your give up a run this weekend, it was your SID who brought it up first! 

Speaking of stats and records, there are two impending records that are about to be (hopefully) broken. 

One, Kevin Johnson (left) should more than likely become the all-time Illinois innings leader provided he gets through the first inning on Friday.  He just needs four outs to pass former Illini pitcher Mark Dressen who is now the leader with 328 2/3 innings. 

And two, Justin Parr is four games away from tying Ryan Snowden’s Illini record of consecutive games with a hit. 

Top-Three Hitting Streaks in Illinois History
1. Ryan Snowden – 25 games (2/25/07-4/14/07)
2. Tom Sinak – 23 games (4/17/94-3/5/95)
3. Justin Parr – 21 games (3/9/13-present)

Finally, read my latest drivel on the Illinois baseball team on my column at Smile Politely.  Thanks again to SP for their continued interest in getting the news out about Illinois Baseball!

Go Illini!!

Tags: bryan roberts, Justin Parr, Kevin Johnson, ohio state, reid roper, ryan castellanos, thomas lindauer

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• Justin Parr, Kevin Duchene and Co. honored by Big Ten (1)
• Illinois Baseball plans for extended stay in Minneapolis (0)
• Getting closer: Illini take game 1 against Minnesota on Thursday (2)
• Illini head north in hopes to clinch a postseason berth (1)

Filed under: Game Previews on April 18th, 2013 | Leave a Comment! »

Coach Drew Dickinson congratulates Justin Parr after he hits safely in his 19th game on Saturday

With a 22-10 record, it was bound that the Illinois baseball team would get its due recognition.  No one deserves it more than Justin Parr who was honored with the Big Ten Player of the Week award.  For the week, Parr went 8 for 17 with six rbis and two homeruns.  He also hit for the cycle on Sunday against the Purdue Boilermakers. 

Sunday’s four hits extends Parr’s hitting streak to 20 games which is the second longest active streak in the NCAA.  In fact, Parr has hit in every game this except two.  He is currently hitting .438, tops among all Big Ten hitters.

Justin Parr is five games away from the record of 25 games held by Ryan Snowden in 2007.  Funny, I just saw Mr Snowden (right, from 2007)at the ballpark on Sunday. 

A lot can change in one weekend. A week ago Illinois was 2-4 in the Big Ten and in seventh place in the conference.  Well, after the Illini sweep of Purdue they are still only in sixth place but the lines are being drawn.  There’s a big gap now between sixth place Michigan State and Illinois (5-4) and eighth place Northwestern and Purdue (4-8).  The Spartans by the way, handed Indiana a sweep for the weekend.  Is it possible that we’ll be fighting it out with MSU once again for the last postseason spot?

Big Ten Standings

Illinois is taking on Illinois State University in the “I-74 game” tonight.  As of this writing, there’s no score after two innings with Kevin Duchene on the mound. 

Go Illini!

Tags: Awards, Justin Parr, ryan snowden, standings

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• Kevin Duchene honored by Big Ten (0)

Filed under: Awards on April 16th, 2013 | 1 Comment »