Illinois Baseball Report

It was a tough game for the Illini though well played for the most part.  And even for the casual uninvolved observer, a very engaging game for lack of a better term. The lead changed six times during the course of the nine innings (if you count ties).  I mentioned to someone that the winner [...]

Filed under: Game Recaps on May 9th, 2009 | 5 Comments »

What’s the recipe for a big crowd at Illinois Field? Start with two nationally ranked teams fighting it out for a conference title.  It doesn’t hurt to have free admission or free food.  The promise of fireworks at the end of the game is a good idea too. It seemed to work since tonight Illinois [...]

Filed under: Game Recaps on May 9th, 2009 | 1 Comment »

This game ranks up there as one of the best baseball games I’ve ever seen considering what was at stake, how many were in attendance and what actually went down.  And in case the photo above doesn’t give it away, Illinois won.   With Alex Wimmers (above left) and Phil Haig (above right) on the [...]

Filed under: Game Recaps on May 8th, 2009 | 2 Comments »

It’s around noon as I write this and it’s drizzling pretty steady here at the University of Illinois.  Checking the forecasts, there’s a chance it will clear up for tonight (optimistic) or we’re in for a wet game tonight (realistic).  [ Update:  At 2:28pm, the sun finally peeked out from under the clouds and things [...]

Filed under: Game Previews on May 8th, 2009 | 1 Comment »

Instead of the usual upcoming team preview I do, Drew Grigsby, a die-hard Ohio State baseball fan agreed to be interviewed and tell us about Buckeye Baseball.  Thanks to Drew for doing this!! Game #46 Record: 31-14 (14-4 Big Ten) vs Ohio State University Buckeyes at Illinois Field, Champaign, IL May 8 6:05pm CT Bleacher [...]

Filed under: Game Previews on May 6th, 2009 | 5 Comments »

No doubt this weekend’s series with #27 Ohio State will be one of the most important of the year for the first place and #25 Illini.  The University of Illinois Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is hoping to make it even more fun as they are planning a Bleacher Bum Barbeque to kick off the first [...]

Filed under: Announcements on May 5th, 2009 | Leave a Comment! »

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 [...]

Filed under: Game Recaps on May 3rd, 2009 | Leave a Comment! »

Now, that Illinois win was just a little TOO interesting. With a 15-3 lead going into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Northwestern Wildcats rallied for nine runs to make it close.  Fortunately, Will Strack came in and shut the door on the ‘Cats, pitching a perfect ninth.  The final score was 15-12 Illinois.  [...]

Filed under: Game Recaps on May 2nd, 2009 | 1 Comment »

Lots to talk about in the wake of Illinois’ series victory over (then) #1 LSU Tigers last weekend.  The Illini won Friday’s game and Sunday’s game both on the efforts of good starting pitching by Phil Haig and Ben Reeser respectively. I say "then #1" because well, it’s no surprise that LSU dropped in the [...]

Filed under: Awards on March 9th, 2009 | Leave a Comment! »

I’m posting about this now while it’s still relevant (i.e before this weekend’s series with #1 LSU).  Note the disparity of team ERAs among the Big Ten teams: from the Big Ten stats page: TEAM PITCHING G ERA —————————— Illinois………… 6 2.72 Minnesota……….. 7 4.50 Penn State………. 7 4.89 Indiana…………. 5 5.08 Michigan………… 9 5.18 [...]

Filed under: Analysis on March 4th, 2009 | Leave a Comment! »