Illini squeeze out a win vs SIU 5-4

Southern Illinois made it interesting but the Illini held on for their 15th win last night.  they won 5-4.  SIU scored three runs in ninth against Bryan Roberts but Bryan closed it out for an Illinois victory.  Time is short so a few quick observations from looking at the box score.  Three more stolen bases [...]

Illinois posts just one win against Hawkeyes

It was a rather disappointing weekend for the Illini who won just one against Iowa.  A sweep wasn’t out of the question for me.  The offense only generated six runs in the last two games and generally in college games that’s not enough.  Ironically, the one game when Illinois gave up the most runs, eight [...]

Illinois ekes one out over Bradley 11-10

Illinois enjoyed a close win at Bradley tonight.  Down by a run in the eighth, the Illini scored two to go ahead for good.  Brian de la Torriente got the win in relief and Bryan Roberts closed out the game for the save.  Final score:  Illinois 11 Bradley 10. Brandon Hohl hit two homeruns the [...]

Timely hitting, defense keys 10-8 win over Penn State

Aaron Johnson slides in to score in Illinois’ big six-run first inning When I woke up today, I wasn’t sure we weren’t going to have a ballgame.  It was raining and I heard thunder every so often.  Thankfully, the clouds parted by about 2pm and we had about the most beautiful day possible for baseball.  [...]

No big surprises (thank goodness) in program’s pitching preview

Fightingillini.com came out with their Illinois Baseball Pitchers Preview for 2010 today.  Nothing too earth-shattering about it nor should it have been.  The outlook with the pitching staff was relatively predictable.  Sophomores Will Strack and Bryan Roberts, who both looked real good last year and virtually unhittable at some points, will be the Friday and [...]

Roberts in relief

Last night, Bryan Roberts, who is spending his summer pitching for the Dupage Dragons, made the best of his relief appearance against the Butler Blue Sox in Prospect League play.  After his starting pitcher gave up seven runs, Roberts came in and pitched 3 2/3 innings of shutout ball. His Dragons didn’t pony up the [...]

Where our Illini are playing this summer

College summer leagues have already begun their seasons and Illinois players are among those playing.  The University of Illinois baseball program has sent 21 players throughout the the country to 13 teams in nine different summer leagues. The Northwoods League, always a big client of the U of I, will see eight players from Illinois [...]

Illinois eliminated from Big Ten Tourney by Minnesota

Day and night.  That’s how I’d describe the difference between Minnesota on Thursday and Minnesota on Friday.  And unfortunately, Illinois had to play them Friday. The same Gopher team that couldn’t buy a hit against Indiana the day before and had its pitching pounded by their offense, came out a changed team Friday.  They first [...]

Illinois sweeps NU; Grabs first place for themselves

Illinois and starting pitcher Bryan Roberts took care of business today as they shut out Northwestern Wildcats 9-0 at Rocky Miller Park in Evanston.  With help from Michigan who defeated Ohio State, they are now in sole possession of first place in the Big Ten conference. Roberts was lights out as he struck out seven [...]

Illini sweep PSU; Take share of Big Ten lead

Behind a solid performance by starter Bryan Roberts and a relentless oflense, Illinois took the third game at Penn State today 9-2.  With the win, the Illini sweeps the Nittany Lions for the weekend and are now tied for first place in the Big Ten! STANDINGS (as of Apr 26, 2009) Big Ten Overall Team [...]