This weekend is the last regular season series and the last chance you will get to see the Illini at Illinois Field this year until the Fall. The team will host UT Martin Skyhawks, a non-conference team.
The Skyhawks are 21-31 but have a 14-10 Ohio Valley Conference record and further, they are riding a six-game winning streak. Sounds like UT Martin are late bloomers this season.
Here is where Illinois stands
The Big Ten Baseball Tournament is next week. Will Illinois participate?
The top eight teams in the Big Ten standings qualify for the tournament. Despite Illinois winning just one game last weekend, they actually rose two spots in the Big Ten standings. Michigan State and Purdue both were swept last weekend and that puts Illinois in seventh place. That’s good news for our boys. It seems like it is a battle for the last two tourney bids between these three teams and Illinois has the edge.
- Illinois 12-12
- Michigan 10-11
- Purdue 10-11
That said, it’s still anyone’s ballgame. Further, Illinois can’t do anything from here on out to influence their outcome as they are playing a non-conference team. Fortunately, both Michigan State and Purdue are playing top tier teams in the Big Ten.
Should Illinois tie the Spartans, the tiebreaker is head-to-head record. That’s good news for Illinois.
If Illinois ends up in a tie with Purdue, it comes down to record against common opponents and well, I was told there would be no math.
You can read the whole tourney qualification rule document here. A three-way tie for the final two spots is very possible and I’m glad I’m not the one making those decisions.
On the mound
Right now, there is only one announced starter for this weekend. That is, of course, Jack Wenninger who will take the mound Thursday night.
Jack won his sixth game last weekend against Rutgers. That puts him in fourth place in the Big Ten. Not only that, Jack’s four B1G wins rank second in the conference.
Time will tell who Coach Allen and Coach Hartleb will put on the mound for Friday and Saturday.
A look at the weekend
Again, keep in mind that this “weekend” series is being played a day early because of the Big Ten Baseball Tournament which starts next week. The first game is on Thursday evening.
UT Martin wins the prize for one of coolest logos.
 UT Martin Skyhawks |
| 21-31 (14-10 Ohio Valley Conference) |
| Thursday 6pm CT Friday 6pm CT Saturday 1pm CT |
| Live video | Live audio | Live stats | @IlliniBaseball |
Fighting Illini weekend recap!
Random Ramblings
If you haven’t already, bookmark the Big Ten Baseball Tournament Central website. The tournament will be held May 23-28 at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska. I have faith our boys will be there.
Congratulations to these smartypants!
Kudos to Camden, Connor, Jack and Ryan for keeping your grades up!
Finally, Friday is Senior Day and we have an especially large Class of ’23.
This class is full of talent, passion and leadership. Congratulations to each of you!
See you at the ballpark!