For all of the concern about pitching this season for Illinois (18-12, 7-5), it enters its series against Indiana (19-14, 9-6) in a relatively good place.
In fact, the Illini currently have a better record than they did at this point last season (17-13).
A good weekend against Indiana could propel Illinois into the upper echelon of the Big Ten standings. However, the talented Hoosiers won’t make it easy.
Taylor-made offense
Indiana boasts the highest-touted player in the conference in junior outfielder Devin Taylor. Taylor ranks as the No. 20 prospect for the upcoming MLB draft, and is the only Big Ten player to appear on the list.
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The junior is slashing .382/.503/.687 with ten home runs, 38 RBI and seven steals this season. Taylor has power to all fields and hits the ball hard. He’s adept at hitting all types of pitches, adding a layer of difficulty to the already tough task of getting him out.
Taylor typically leads off for the Hoosiers, and is followed by redshirt sophomore outfielder Korbyn Dickerson in the lineup. Dickerson is the conference leader in both home runs (15) and RBI (56). He gives Indiana a powerful one-two punch at the top of its batting order.
On the mound, Indiana is led by redshirt senior right-hander Cole Gilley. Gilley has posted the third-best ERA in the conference among qualifiers (3.22). The righty also leads the Big Ten in WHIP (0.91) by a large margin.
Steep climb up
It’s true that Illinois is in a similar position as it was last season. However, it will be much more difficult for the team to climb to the top of the Big Ten once again.
In addition to Penn State (21-10, 9-6), Iowa (21-10, 12-3) and Indiana, Illinois is behind all four of the newest Big Ten schools in the standings.
An Illini sweep this weekend would move the team above the Hoosiers and likely into the top five.
Starting pitching has been cruising lately, and the offense is as hot as ever after a sweep against Maryland (15-19, 3-9). Still, it will be no easy feat for the Illini to bust out the brooms again this weekend.
If the Illini win one or two games, they’ll stay right where they are: in the middle of the pack.
No matter the outcome, this weekend is likely to dictate the rest of the season for Illinois.
@BrendanGallian
