Despite splitting with Northern Iowa over the weekend, Illinois State was left with a sour taste in its mouth following a one-hit loss on Sunday. With that in mind, it would be an understatement to say that the Redbirds will be ready to get back on the diamond Tuesday night, when they take on the University of Iowa at 6:00 p.m. at Banks Field in Iowa City, Iowa.
This is definitely the time of year when our guys would rather play than practice, said head coach Jim Brownlee. We lost our midweek game last week because of the weather so we really need to back out and play against Iowa, especially after the way Sunday went.
Illinois State comes into the meeting with a 9-12 record overall and 4-4 in the Valley, which puts them at fourth in the league.
With last weeks game against Missouri being rained out, Brownlee would like to use the Iowa game to let some of his younger pitchers get innings.
Midweek games are so important because it gives you a chance to develop guys and let them pick up some innings, said Brownlee. We have a lot of Tuesday and Wednesday games coming up, so it would be nice to see a couple of guys against Iowa.
Freshman Dan Frega will get the start for ISU on Tuesday. Frega has appeared in two games, including one start. He has a 6.23 ERA with five strikeouts in 4.1 innings pitched.
The game with the Hawkeyes will also mark a reunion of sorts, as Jim Brownlee, along with his son and assistant Tim Brownlee will be facing off with Jims other son, Ryan, an assistant coach for Iowa.
Well probably have to switch our signs, joked Brownlee. It should be fun though. This will be the first time that Tim and I have gone against Ryan, so it adds to it a little.
After returning from Iowa, Illinois State will get set to host nationally ranked Wichita State this weekend at Redbird Field in a four game series.
Although Tuesdays game will not be broadcast, the game with Iowa will be one of many that will allows fans to follow along on-line with Gametracker, a live-stats program with up-to-the-minute scoring details. To access Gametracker, click on Live Stats on the Illinois State baseball schedule at www.redbirds.org
