The Illinois State baseball team will be looking to get its first win in Missouri Valley Conference play this weekend as they head to Wichita, Kan., to take on perennial power Wichita State in a three-game series. The series will begin under the lights at Eck Stadium/Tyler Field on Friday night at 7:00 p.m.
In their only Valley series of the year, Illinois State (12-15, 0-3) dropped all three games to Creighton at Redbird Field the last weekend in March. Now the Birds will be looking to get in the win column in the league at one of the toughest venues in college baseball.
When you go to Wichita you have to do all of the little things, said head coach Jim Brownlee. You must throw strikes and you must make plays because if you dont they will jump all over you. They are very well coached and they are one of the best programs in the country. They expect to win and we have to go in there with that same mentality.
The Redbirds have lost three of their last four heading into the weekend, following a 6-4 non-conference loss at Northern Illinois on Tuesday. Attempting to turn the Birds back in the right direction will be senior Matt Fowles (3-1), who will be making his sixth start of the year on Friday night. On the mound for Wichita (24-10, 1-2) will be junior Mike Pelfrey (4-2), who is regarded by many as the top amateur pitcher in the country and is expected to be one of the first players taken in Junes Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.
Matt is coming off a disappointing start so it will be important for us to see him respond and have a good outing, said Brownlee. In my opinion, hell be up against the best pitcher in the country. I think Pelfrey is the best Ive ever seen and if hes on well have our hands full. But if Fowles brings his best stuff I expect us to be right there with them.
Wichita State will provide the young Redbirds with a chance to play in one of the top collegiate settings in the country, as the Shockers have only had fewer than 2,700 fans one game this year.
Its a great experience for our young guys, especially since the conference tournament will be there this year, said Brownlee. Its a tough environment but were definitely ready for the challenge.
While Fowles will make the start on Friday, sophomore Dan Frega (2-5) will toe the rubber on Saturday and senior Ned Schauff (2-2) will take the hill on Sunday.
Fridays game will be on AM 1230 WJBC, while Saturday (2:00 p.m.) and Sunday (1:00 p.m.) will be available on www.wjbc2.com. Additionally, Gametracker will be available for all three games. A link to both the broadcasts and the live stats will be available on the baseball schedule at www.redbirds.org.
