Illini Haig dazzles in Game 1 of split with Purdue

Phil Haig was lights out on Saturday

On Saturday, Phil Haig was all business as he threw a two-hit shutout against the Purdue Boilermakers as Illinois won 2-0.

The day before, Purdue scored 27 runs in the doubleheader.  That same team was stymied by the freshman Haig who struck out three and walked two in the seven inning affair.

Haig’s efforts were rewarded with a Big Ten Co-pitcher of the Week honor.  Congrats, Phil!

Brandon Wikoff drove in both of the Illini runs.  Ironically, he did it without a hit, driving in one with a sacrifice fly and the other with a ground ball.

In game two, the Illini’s last regular season game, it was back to business for Purdue as they won 11-2.

Next up:  With the loss, Illinois drops to the fourth seed in the Big Ten Tournament.  They face Ohio State on Wednesday.

A fan convert to college baseball?

One more note… thanks to my friend Chuck who was in town and accompanied me to the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader.  Chuck always makes light of college baseball but I convinced him to come with me.  I honestly think he had a lot of fun.  I know I did.  Now Chuck will look at college baseball a little differently.

PS I’m glad we decided to go to the first game.

More photos here.