Illinois (4-2) picked up its second series win down south in the Lone Star State against Texas State (5-2). The team has started with a better record through six games than it did during last season’s first two tournaments.
Good: bringing runners home, keeping pitchers fresh
Illinois played against a very good Texas State program over the weekend. In fact, Texas State came into the matchup with an undefeated record.
The Illini lit up the scoreboard after the Bobcats struck first. Sophomore infielder Ethan Farris hit a single to bring home freshman outfielder Zachary Gingrich. Illinois began there, scoring off a wild pitch in the second inning, which saw junior infielder Greg LaChance come in and score to tie the game at 1-1.
Once the third inning hit, Illinois kept up the scoring. The team went for five unanswered runs and managed to do this without hitting a home run. Illinois has been effective at finding different ways to score this season, bringing runners home by any means.
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In total, Texas State went through eight pitchers throughout the game. Meanwhile, Illinois was able to save its arms for the doubleheader on Sunday. It only sent two pitchers to the mound during Game 1.
Illinois needed a rebound against Texas State on day two after dropping the first game earlier in the day. Illinois had patience at the plate in its victories. The team chose wisely when to swing and got on base only when the time was right.
The Illini did not hit many home runs in either victory. However, they only needed singles and walks this weekend.
“It was a tight game, and all those games you get beat, and then we turned around, did a really good job in the nightcap, and we’re really pleased with the performance,” said head coach Dan Hartleb. “Nobody panicked. It was a tight game. Came up with some big hits.”
Bad: a mid-series slump
Illinois only scored in one inning during its loss to Texas State. Senior outfielder Vytas Valincius provided the crooked number. He hit a two-run home run that scored himself and junior infielder Grant Ross.
This game was all Texas State for the most part, as it tallied up 10 total hits. Illinois went cold at the plate, with only three hits. The Illini also had two costly errors, one of which led to a score from the Bobcats in the eighth inning.
“It was a tough day; it’s a day we needed,” Hartleb said. “We need to play good teams, and Texas State’s a good team. That first game, they outplayed us in a lot of areas.”
Was there an ugly?
The short answer is no — there were no ugly parts over the weekend. Illinois came away with two out of three games against a solid Texas State program and largely played good baseball.
Illinois’ approach to the plate this season has felt more complete and well-rounded than last year’s team. Much of last year’s success came from the long ball. This season, the Illini have been sizing up pitchers and striking on opportunities when they arise.
As a team, Illinois currently ranks No. 85 in batting average with a .289 in the early going of the year. The team is also tied for No. 89 in home runs, with seven across six games.
A lot of the team’s production is from patience when balls are thrown at them. Currently, the Illini are tied at No. 46 with base on balls. Illinois ranks in the upper half of the conference in hits, falling at No. 10.
The team’s next game came as a surprise to the schedule. Illinois will take on Aurora (0-2) at Illinois Field for the team’s first home game of the season. First pitch will be at 5 p.m.
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