Illinois is home again this weekend!
This series at Illinois Field is going to be a big one for a few reasons.
One, it is Big Ten baseball conference series against Michigan State and will be the last conference series at home for the year.
Two, it looks like there will be plenty of promotions going on for all three games. Here are a few.
- Bleacher Bum BBQ on Friday
- Gear for Good equipment drive on Friday
- Honor and Serve Day on Saturday
- Mom’s Day on Sunday
That’s quite a lineup and that’s just the headliners.
At 8-10 in the Big Ten, Illinois (19-22 overall) has a chance to get on the winning side if they can sweep the Spartans. That will be a challenge as Michigan State (28-13 overall) own second place (just barely) with a 9-5 conference mark which has been helped by a four-game winning streak.
‘Ware Spartan reliever Harrison Cook. He was a Big Ten Co-pitcher of the Week. Y’all know who the other one was.
On the mound
Riley Gowens (2-2, 5.47 ERA) is back for the Friday start. Saturday, Jack Wenninger (5-3, 4.25 ERA) will take the mound. Nothing definite for Sunday’s game.
You’ve already heard about the numerous honors and awards that Jack Wenninger has earned for his dominant performance last Saturday (yes, he was the other B1G Co-Pitcher of the Week). Well, the awards keep coming in. Today, it was announced that Wenninger was named the Academic Services Scholar Athlete of the Week.
This weekend
Definitely check the Illinois Baseball website or @IllinoisBaseball for any potential schedule changes.
 Michigan State Spartans |
| 28-13 (10-5 Big Ten) |
| Friday 6pm CT Saturday 3pm CT Sunday 1pm CT |
| Live video | Live audio | Live stats | @IlliniBaseball |
Random Ramblings
The Illinois Baseball 2023 schedule is a bit different this year. After this weekend’s home conference series, Illinois plays an away series against conference opponent Rutgers. Then to finish out the season, they will host a non-conference opponent, UT-Martin. If a Big Ten Baseball Tournament berth is on the line, there’s no doubt the team will be paying attention to the result of their conference rivals.
Speaking of the Big Ten Tournament, Illinois fans might want to bookmark this link. It’s to the Big Ten Baseball Tournament Central. With hard work and some luck, our guys will be playing there. The Tournament starts May 23rd.
How well does Illinois have to do earn a berth? The tourney accepts the top eight teams in the Big Ten standings. Right now, Illinois is in ninth place and a game and half behind eighth-place Rutgers. Next weekend’s series looks to be key!
But hey, one game at time. Let’s start with Friday.
I’ll be out of town Friday and Saturday but will back for Sunday. Sooo, I will…
…see you at the ballpark!