The Illinois State baseball team will swing into its 2001 campaign with a three-game season-opening series at Western Kentucky this weekend.
The Redbirds and Hilltoppers are no strangers, the two have squared off in Bowling Green, Ken., six times in the last two years with each team claiming victory in three games.
The Birds won two of three last year behind the bat of Ryan Duncheon who torched the Hilltoppers for four home runs and seven RBI en route to Collegiate Baseball Player of the Week honors
Although the Birds lost standouts, Duncheon, Seth Von Behren, Eric Eckenstahler and Brian Forystek to graduation, they do return a potent offensive lineup and a young and promising pitching staff.
The Birds are led by a trio of all-conference performers in seniors
Jared Dufault and
Ed Tolzien and junior fireballer
Neal Cotts. Tolzien and Cotts will anchor the heart of a potentially combustible Redbird lineup, while Cotts will be on the mound for every big game.
Although this series marks the beginning of the season for the Redbirds, the Hilltoppers, 2-3, already have five games under their belts, including a two-game series against No. 13 Florida State.
Despite the fact that his team has only practice outside twice while WKU has seen live pitching in game situations, ISU head coach Jeff Stewart does not think his team is at a disadvantage.
Id like to think that were going to come out smoking, Stewart said. Weve got a bunch of hard-working guys who love to play and are chomping at the bit ... I just hope the weather cooperates. From a competitive standpoint, I think our guys will really get after it once we get out there.
Stewart will put Cotts on the mound in the first game of Saturdays doubleheader, followed by seniors
Steve Hecker and
Dave Schoeberlein in games two and three. However, Stewart also noted that several other pitchers will see action this weekend.
Certainly were not expecting our pitchers to go too long, Ive got to look at some guys to see if what theyve shown to date is truly what well see when the white lines are down, Stewart said.
Joining Dufault in the outfield are a pair of all-conference caliber players in juniors
Jake Perganson and
Ryan Cantrell, both of whom will also hit atop the Redbird lineup. Tolzien will be joined on the infield by
Scott Legan at second, freshman
Jeremy Accardo at shortstop and junior college transfer
Jon Peacock at third. Versatile
Jim Chiappett,
Lance McMillan and
Nick Kempen will give Stewart something he didnt have last year, infield depth.
A duo of young catchers, in Greg Blaesing and Steve Reyes will split time behind the plate, while slugger Mike Saunches will add some pop to the lineup at designated hitter. Senior Jason Scherer and sophomore Kevin ODell will also see considerable playing time off the bench.
