Of the 79 baseball players honored, ten were from the University of Illinois. 

Congrats to them all!

University of Illinois Spring Academic All-Conference Honorees

John Anderson	Jr.	Political Science	Mt. Vernon, Ill.
Willie Argo	So.	Recreation, Sport & Tourism	Davenport, Iowa
Billy Barrett	Jr.	Business Administration	Homer Glen, Ill.
Wes Braun	Jr.	Speech Communication	Deerfield, Ill.
Adam Davis	So.	Recreation, Sport & Tourism	Bloomingdale, Ill.
Craig Lutes	Sr.	Finance	Normal, Ill.
Kevin Manson	Sr.	Recreation, Sport & Tourism	Park Ridge, Ill.
Mike Sterk	Sr.	Accountancy	Oak Lawn, Ill.
Will Strack	So.	General Studies	Sycamore, Ill.
Lee Zerrusen	Jr.	Kinesiology	Teutopolis, Ill.

Yep, Pete Cappetta seems to be on a roll (arggh, there aren’t any more games left).  Today, he hit his second homerun of the series and his third in four games.  These were the first three homeruns of the year for Pete.

Craig Lutes and Casey McMurray also hit homeruns (#3 and #6 respectively).  Christian Cummins was 2 for 4 with a run. 

Wille Argo is called safe on a steal against Purdue. 

Argo Watch:  There’s at least one thing to celebrate for the Illini.  From today’s boxscore:

SB – Argo, W.(41);

Willie Argo passed Illinois baseball legends Shawn Roof, Kyle Hudson (I’ve seen them play… ‘legends’ is not a stretch) on the Illini single season stolen base list. 

1.  Willie Argo (2010) 41

2.  Kyle Hudson (2008) 40

     Shawn Roof (2007) 40

4.  Todd Schmitke (1981) 35

Congratulations, Willie!!!!!

Random Ramblings

This will be the first time I’ll be viewing the Big Ten Baseball Tournament bracket and not see Illinois anywhere on it.  I’ve been covering them since 2005 when they won their last Big Ten championship and the Tournament was held here in Champaign.  Since then, I’ve been to every Big Ten Tournament with the exception of 2006.  It will certainly be a different postseason especially for the players. 

Am I too much of a traitor if I’m a little glad that #3 seed Northwestern made it in?  Not only are they our geographic buddies but I like seeing the underdogs make it.  It’s been a few years since they’ve been in.  I suppose so. 

Kudos to Minnesota and Michigan who are the #1 and #2 seeds in the tourney respectively.  Especially, Minnesota who we all wondered what was going on with their miserable early pre-conference start.  They won when it mattered. 

Good luck to the Tournament teams and more importantly…

Thanks to the Illinois Baseball team for a great year!!

We saw too much of this today

Illini starter Kevin Manson saw way too many celebrations at home plate, today.  He gave up four Wildcat homeruns in 4 2/3 innings.  Unfortunately, Manson was throwing beach balls as everything they hit was hit hard even the outs.  Manson has had some excellent games this season but this wasn’t one of them.  Five runs and eight  hits during his outing.

Reliever Mike Sterk (above) did a good job keeping the Illini in it when he came in with one out in the seventh.  He managed to get out of the inning with just a sac fly then pitched two scoreless innings. 

Josh Parr rounds second on Willie Argo’s homer

All things considered, the Illini did well to score five runs considering that they had as many hits in the game.  Four came on homeruns.  Josh Parr hit a two-run shot in the second to draw first blood for Illinois.  It was his first in his career.  Later in the game, Willie Argo also hit a two-run homer.

Argo also scored the other run.  It was an excellently played base running move.  With Christian Cummins stuck in a pickle between first and second, Argo, who was on second and probably saw nothing to lose, broke for home.  The throw was off-line and Argo was safe and so was Cummins at second.  Well played!

Kevin McMurray, Mike Altobelli, and John Lutes don their ninth-inning rally caps

The eighth inning Argo homerun did breathe life into the game and brought the Illini within two runs.  Unfortunately, the score remained 7-5 and Illinois lost the series to the Wildcats 2-1. 

It didn’t help that the middle of the order was silent.  The 3, 4, 5 and 6 batters in the lineup were a combined 0 for 15 for the game. 

And yes, in case you wondering, that  was secondbaseman Zach Morton who came in to pitch for Northwestern.  Morton pitched 4 innings for the win. 

Here’s the link to today’s game’s photo gallery or you can just watch the slideshow.

Next up

Two midweek games at home this week.  We’re playing Southern Illinois on Tuesday and Butler on Wednesday.

My friend Robin pointed out to me that there are only six home games left in the 2010 season.  This season is going by quick.

Catcher Adam Davis was confident before the game

Tonight’s attendance was the fifth largest in history

Autographs were signed by players before and after the game

There was a ball drop from a helicopter and Olympic medalist Katherine Reutter threw out the first ball

With the Big Ten Network broadcasting the game, there was lots of media excitement…

… even the coaches were getting in on the action with in-game interviews

Mike Sterk and Doug Schumacher have a little fun before the game

Win or lose, we still get the fireworks

Here is a photo slideshow of the game and Bleacher Bum Barbeque including all the photos I’ve uploaded.

Giller was a triple shy of the cycle

Mike Giller was the hero of the night.  Giller drove in a career high five rbis on three hits including a double and a homerun.  Giller figured prominently in the Illini’s three-run first inning when he hit his double which scored two runs.  His homerun came in the fourth and drove in three runs. 

Christian Cummins congratulates Willie Argo after his first inning homerun

Giller wasn’t the only offensive hero, though.  Willie Argo got things started off the right way when he hit the third pitch of the first inning over the left field fence.    Not only that, Willie got another hit and stole two bases.  That’s 28 steals for those keeping track. 

Also, Casey McMurray came through with three hits and scored two runs. 

Another solid performance by Manson

Kevin Manson got the win tonight, his third, on a solid performance.  He allowed just two earned runs in five innings.  Matt Milroy and Billy Barrett both hurled perfect one-inning stints in relief of Manson. 

Wes Braun had a bit of trouble in the eighth inning no thanks to some fielding gaffes but was able to pitch through it.  Bryan Roberts pitched a perfect ninth for his 7th save of the season. 

Bradley’s pitching may not have been on but boy, they hit the ball hard.  Even if they were for outs, they ripped the ball.  I’m not saying saying I was worried when they came back to make it 8-5 but maybe I am.  It was a good game.

Brandon Hohl rounds third

Something of note that you might see this in the boxscore:

Cappetta, Pete 3b

Not exactly why Pete came in for Brandon Hohl in the game.  Pete’s dad tells me that he’s never played that position before.  On a different note, it was good to see catcher Matt Cervantes get some playing time tonight even if it was just in the field. 

Photos are in the photo gallery.  I’ve got a new/better camera so check them out.  I like the results. 

Next up

Friday is the Bleacher Bum Barbeque.  Make it a point to tell someone about it.  I’m telling all my baseball friends in the area.  Northwestern is our opponent and something tells me this will be an important series when all is said and done.

Great job, Illini!

In game 1, Lee Zerrusen got the start (on his birthday as he mentions in Diamond Notes #9) and again pitched well enough to keep us in the game.  Pitching six innings, he allowed just three runs.  Unlike his last start though, his control seems to have improved allowing only two walks. 

It was the bullpen that deserves the big applause in Game 1.  Wes Braun (left) showed his good stuff once more.  He got the win on three scoreless innings of work.  Bryan Roberts came in to pitch a perfect 10th inning to get his sixth save of the season. 

Casey McMurray was the offensive hero of the first game.  He was 2 for 5 including a homerun to lead off the sixth.  Mac had three rbis on the game. 

Game 1 Box Score

Game 1 may have been a bit of a pitcher’s duel as the Big Ten goes, but Game 2 was a different matter.  Michigan State got their hitting shoes on and dealt Illinois a 10-2 defeat. 

As good as Kevin Johnson was last weekend, he just didn’t have it yesterday.  Seven Spartans crossed the plate in the first inning.  To make matters worse, the Illini offense didn’t respond.  Or perhaps, they just didn’t take advantage of opportunities,  After all, they DID have eleven hits.  Something I happened to noticed that probably indicates the futility of the timing and Two Illini batters had two hits (Aaron Johnson and Josh Parr) but they worked alone because they didn’t drive in a run or score. 

One thing that should be noted… Kevin Manson (right)who came in Johnson in the second, pitched a great game.  Not only did he only allow just two runs in seven innings but he didn’t walk any batters either. 

Game 2 Box Score

As I said, the third and last game of the series at MSU is today at 11:05am. 

Random Ramblings

No, I didn’t fall of the face of the earth.  Between work issues (I do have a day job :) ) and some personal stuff going on, I haven’t been able to update blog the last couple days.  Thanks to those who inquired.  It’s nice to know I’m missed. :)

The Illini Retrospective is getting closer and closer to our era.  The latest installment is The 1970s.  That would be when my brother went to the University of Illinois.  I know he was a big Illini sports fan so I’ll have to ask him if he caught any baseball games.

It’s been two weeks since I’ve seen an Illini baseball game.  I’m going through withdrawal. Tuesday’s game against Bradley can’t come quick enough.

Shortstop Josh Parr ponders the scoreboard in the seventh inning

Can we just forget about Friday night?

Friday’s night’s game against Michigan was over pretty much before we knew it.  I had to feel for anyone who came a few innings late to the game.  When they walked in and saw the 15-0 lead Michigan already had after only three innings, you can’t blame them for being a tad disheartened.  But I’ll give the Illini faithful credit.  Many of the 769 fans stuck it out till the end.  It didn’t get much better though as Michigan won 17-1.

Kevin Manson was perfect vs EIU on Tuesday.  Against Michigan… not so much.

I won’t belabor the point but starter Kevin Manson did not have his best stuff (7 runs and 7 hits in 1 inning).  Neither did Will Strack who took over for Manson in the second (4 runs on 2 hits in one inning).  John Anderson who took the mound in the 3rd, didn’t start out much better giving up two walks, a single and eventually a homerun to Mike Dufek but Hartleb stuck with him.  It was sound strategy as Anderson settled down and found his groove.  He pitched three scoreless innings after that and only allowed two Michigan runs after that.  Wes Braun pitched a scoreless ninth. 

In fact, after the third inning, it looked like a totally different ballgame.  We got good pitching from Anderson and Braun.  Our defense was superb.  There were some fantastic plays made out there by the good guys.  Josh Parr, Craig Lutes and Brandon Hohl displayed some great glovework. 

Michigan batted around in the order twice in the game… in the second and the third innings. Michigan’s Dufek was the master with the stick.  He got four hits including the homerun.  He drove in four and scored three.

For the Illini, our sole run came in the sixth inning.  Aaron Johnson gave the fans something to cheer about and cranked a solo shot to center which at least prevented a shutout. 

Cummins gets two hits on the night

One more note, Christian Cummins started at second last night.  It was a bit of musical chairs in our lineup with Pete Cappetta going to left and Casey McMurray taking on the DH role.  Long story short, Cummins responded by getting 2 hits in four at-bats. 

I have more of my photos posted if you’re interested.

And if you can bear to watch it, Big Ten Network has a highlight video of Friday night’s game.

Today’s another day, though and at 3:05 the scoreboard is reset at 0-0. 

Random Ramblings

I got a chance to talk to John Santas last night.  Santas (above) is one of driving forces behind the Dugout Club, the organization that supports and promotes the baseball program. 

I’ve chatted with Santas in the past.  He and his cronies will sit behind home plate and cheer the Illini on from their close vantage point.  I like his style.  He’s an old school baseball fan who knows his baseball history.  Before each game, he will trot down to the bullpen and check on how the starter is feeling for the upcoming game. 

Last night, Santas was helping promote the Dugout Club so he and I talked a bit.  If anyone is interested in finding out more about the Dugout Club, you can find out more at their webpage. 

Ok, Illini… now it’s OUR turn!

Willie Argo takes a lead off third

We all knew Willie Argo was good but last night, he got his 100th hit against the Panthers.  According to the record books, he ties with Andy Shutztenhofer for reaching the century mark in the quickest time.  It only took 269 at-bats.  For the night, Argo was 2 for 3 with four (yes, four) stolen bases.

Manson was on his game against EIU

Kevin Manson got the call to start last night.  I don’t think I’ve seen anyone pitch so well as I did Manson. He was Mr Efficient.  For those three innings, Manson only pitched one ball.  For the three innings, he only threw 17 pitches.  Pretty amazing in my book. 

For the record, Manson allowed no runs on one hit.  He definitely earned his second win of the year.

Fantastic work by the bullpen, too.  Between Brian de la Torriente, Will Strack, John Anderson and Tanner Libby, they gave up just one run in six innings. 

Johnson would rather have the homerun instead of the HBP anyway, thank you

Aaron Johnson provided some excitement last night as well.  Johnson, who was hit by the pitch in the third inning, came to the plate in fifth.  He was hit AGAIN.  But this time, the ump called him back apparently indicating that Johnson didn’t make a move to get out of the way.  He had the last word though.  Two pitches later, Johnson lined it over the left center wall for a two-run homerun.  Heh, don’t toy with Aaron, I guess.

Josh Parr continues to hit.  He got two hits and two runs plus an rbi including a double.  I really see Parr coming out of his slump. 

More photos at the photo gallery.

Random Ramblings

I was happy to see that those in charge are putting the names of the players up on the scoreboard as they are up to bat.  They haven’t been until last night.  It’s nice for the casual Illini fan to learn the home team and for some of us, to keep up with the opposition.

Great job, Illini!

THAT game, the Illini had plenty of offense including a 3 run rally to comeback against the Hawkeyes.  Once again, Bryan Roberts came through as the closer pitching two solid innings allowing no hits.  Roberts also pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings in today’s losing cause.

As a side note, it’s hard to believe that the Illini bullpen was considered the Achilles heel of the team at the beginning of the year.  The top three in ERA are members of the relievers staff (Kevin Manson 2.70, Mike Sterk 3.21 and Bryan Roberts 3.77).

 Looking at the positive side of things, I’m glad to see that Josh Parr is picking it up.  He had a rough game in St Louis against the University of Missouri in the field and it’s good to see him produce with the bat.  While I see Parr (right) had an error on Friday (his only one for the weekend), no one can complain about his bat.  He went 5 for 11 this past weekend with 4 runs and 3 rbis.  Just as Pete Cappetta had his rough stretch and came out of it, I expect Josh will continue to do the same. 

Random Ramblings

I probably shouldn’t be so stat-centric when it comes to the team but I can’t help it.  Check out Casey McMurray’s numbers.  He now leads the team in hitting with a .398 average.  Never a power guy in past seasons, he’s found his stroke and has 4 homers and 14 extra base hits both good for the team lead. 

Former Illini starter Scott Shaw had his first start with the Binghamton Mets yesterday.  Unfortunately, it was a pretty rough one and Shaw got rocked against the Akron Aeros.  Never fear, Shaw had a great 2009 so I expect him to recover from that.

If you haven’t seen IlliniHQ.com’s photos from the Battle at Busch, check them out.  They have some really good ones.  The News-Gazette had a nice spread of these photos from last Wednesday in Sunday’s paper.  I love it when the team gets a lot of press.  Sometimes, it’s hard to come by.

Next up

Midweek bring two teams which our guys might be looking for redemption and/or revenge.

On Tuesday, the Illini host Eastern Illinois University. They’re traditionally a tough team.  Last year we took it on the chin and lost 5-1 against the Panthers.  I’m hoping for some revenge.  Gametime is 6:05pm.

Illinois then take on Coach Hartleb’s alma mater, Southern Illinois.  The game will be played at Rent One Park at Marion, Illinois, home of the Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League.  This will be the first of two meetings with the Salukis.  Gametime is 6:30pm.

Go Illini!!

But Willie Argo (left) continued his torrid pace over Illinois’ spring break in Florida.  Today he went 4 for 4 with four rbis thanks in part to a fifth inning homerun which drove in three runs.  Argo is really coming on in the past week.  He gotten 9 hits and scored 8 runs over spring break. 

After today, Argo’s batting rose to a nifty .417 for the season.

By the numbers
9 for 17	Willie Argo’s line for the four games so far this spring break.  He’s also scored 8 runs in that time.
4-2	Illinois’ record since March 12.  At that time, they were 1-5.
10	Total steals by Willie Argo this season.  He leads the the team followed by Josh Parr who has 7.

Rightfielder Craig Lutes had a pretty good day himself.  With three hits on the day, Lutes scored twice and drove in two runs.  Aaron Johnson and Brandon Hohl each had multi-hit games as well.

On the pitching side, starter Kevin Manson (right) is doing his best to prove he belongs in the rotation.  6’7” Manson got the win on a solid seven innings of work.  He allowed three runs on eight hits and just one walk.  Brian de la Torriente and Bryan Roberts each pitched a scoreless inning of relief.

Next up

It’s a busy Wednesday.  The Illini are playing the makeup game from Sunday in addition to their regularly scheduled game against the Dartmouth Big Green.   The Illini are going back to the top of the rotation with Will Strack tking the mound in Game 1 and Kevin Johnson will pitch Game 2.

Random Ramblings

Pitcher Matt Milroy has pinch hit in the last two games.  He’s IS officially billed as a P/OF so it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise.  My guess is Coach Hartleb wants to give Milroy some real game experience at the plate. 

Take a guess who’s #2 in hits on the team.  If you guessed freshman thirdbaseman Brandon Hohl, you would be right.  I’m really looking forward to seeing this guy when the team comes back to Illinois Field. 

Speaking of, the opening homestand against Chicago State is only one week away.  It can’t come soon enough.

Go Illini!!