I really thought the University of Illinois had a good chance against our sister campus, the University of Illinois-Chicago. UIC had only won one game going into this game and it wasn’t like we were playing some baseball powerhouse from the south. I guess this proves that we take all opponents seriously.
The Illini did draw first blood, scoring an unearned run in the second on a sac fly. But the Flames came back with a vengeance and really didn’t look back. They scored three runs in the second and four in the third. All but one of those runs were charged to starter Aaron Martin.
Reliever Kevin Manson, who picked up the last run in the third, pitched admirably for the rest of the game. Though he allowed 5 hits, the run in the second was the only one he gave up. Last weekend, Manson pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings.
Centerfielder Kyle Hudson and shortstop Brandon Wikoff were named to the QTI Baylor Classic All-Tournament team. Hudson went 5 for 12 with 3 rbis and 2 runs. Wikoff was 3 for 9 and 3 rbis and a double. Congratulations to both!
Next weekend, things will settle down. For the first time this season, Illinois will be playing an honest-to-goodness series against a another team. They will take on Texas Tech in Lubbock for four games. A Friday evening game, a Saturday doubleheader, and a Sunday day game… you know the drill.
I don’t know if this will help or hurt either team but the familiarity will be nice, I’m sure.
Go Illini!