It’s been a while since I reported on the University of Illinois baseball team. They’ve had better weeks.
Tuesday and Wednesday, the Western Michigan Broncos were in town. The offense couldn’t get going for the first game and the Broncos won 7-2. The dam broke the next game and the Illini scored 16 runs including 4 rbis by Dave Schultz and 3 each by Aaron Ifft and Mike Rohde. Final score: 16-5.
Illinois went to Columbus to play Ohio State for the weekend. After a rainout Friday, the Illini lost both ends of the double header on Saturday, scoring only 2 runs all day (5-1, 4-1). The good guys managed to split the double header on Sunday (8-6, 1-9).
The 1-3 series against Ohio State was important as the Buckeyes are in first place. A 4-0 weekend would have put the Illini in a good position. As it is, Ohio State solidified their first place slot and the Illini fell to 7th with a 3-5 conference record.
Taking a look at the stats: Ryan Snowden leads the team with a .333 batting average. He also leads in doubles (13) and total bases (49). There’s no doubt who’s leading in rbis. That would be Dave Schultz with 25 (6 ahead of anyone else). Shawn Roof leads in stolen bases with 10 (in 11 attempts). Those who attend Illini games wouldn’t be surprised by this. Roof hustles!
On the pitching side of things, Brian Blomquist’s ERA has risen to 4.40. Reliever Mark Whitmore shines with a 0.63 ERA with 6 saves.
Julianne and I are going to see the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Iowa on Easter.
I will report back.
DonS.
very cool.
if memory serves, they have a good team current record notwithstanding. They’re 3-5 (14-13 overall) but i remember they lasted long into the tournament last year.
Have fun.