On Friday, we got a chance to see the 2021-22 Illini squad in competitive action. They took on the University of Illinois-Springfield Prairie Stars in an extended exhibition game.
Illinois won the 13-inning affair by the score of 7-3. Much of the Illini’s success goes two our catchers. Jacob Campbell and brand new teammate, Camden Janik. Both hit homeruns.
Freshman Janik was impressive and showed some real potential. Yes, he hit a homer but he also threw out a attempted base stealer. Most importantly, he took command of the team and showed some real teamwork.
As a freshman, he could be the catcher of Illinois’ future.
Another newcomer, outfielder Tyler Thompson, had flashes of brilliance too. He singles and eventually scored the go-ahead run in the ninth inning on Cal Hejza’s sac fly.
Photos from Friday’s game can found at the IBR photo gallery.
While one game is such a small window to evaluate the team, Friday’s exhibition game was a good opportunity to see the product that Coach Hartleb and the rest of the coaching staff have put together.
I am very hopeful. Last spring, Illinois lost only a few players to graduation and draft. While they were very valuable, I have confidence that one more year’s worth of experience will more than help fill the gap.
It was a beautiful evening for baseball and it was awesome to see so many fans at the park!
In other news
Last night, the Amarillo Sod Poodles had quite a game.
For those not aware, the manager of the Double-A Sod Poodles is former Illini baseball great Shawn Roof. The Soddies defeated the Tulsa Drillers 20-12.
But here is the incredible part…
That’s right. Amarillo hit back-to-back-to-back-to-back homeruns! MiLB.com has the writeup on the game. The fireworks display by the Soddies’ bats was only the fifth time a minor league team has hit four straight homeruns.
Congrats to Shawn and the Sod Poodles!