Off to its best start in four years, the Illinois State baseball team will hit the road for a tough three-game set against Louisville, Illinois and West Virginia at Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, Ky., this weekend.
With impressive wins over No. 25 Purdue, Western Kentucky and Austin Peay already under their belts, the Redbirds (4-2) will look to improve on their best start since 1997 when they face the likes of Louisville (6-8), Illinois (2-3) and West Virginia (1-5).
Although each of the Redbirds weekend foes sports a losing record, ISU head coach
Jeff Stewart knows they are to be respected.
We arent taking anyone lightly this weekend, these are three very good teams who have played extremely tough schedules to this point, Stewart said. This is going to be a real test for us, but I think weve got the right mindset to go out their and take care of business once the white lines go down.
The Redbirds head into battle without their ace and the reigning Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week,
Neal Cotts, who will rest a sore pitching arm. Despite the absence of his ace, Stewart looks at this weekend as a key test for his team heading into a highly competitive spring break slate.
Obviously wed like to have Neal with us, but on the bright side, this gives some of the other guys a chance to step up and solidify their role on the staff, Stewart said. These games leading up to the conference season are proving grounds for our guys, this would be a great time to find round out our starting staff.
The Redbirds play Louisville at 1 p.m. on Friday, Illinois at 10 a.m. on Saturday and West Virginia at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
