May 15, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
With just four games left to play in the 2006 season, the Illinois State Redbirds find themselves still in contention for the sixth and final ConAgra Foods Missouri Valley Conference Tournament spot, despite being swept last weekend in by Missouri State. Each and every game will be important for the `Birds including their Tuesday contest with the Northwestern Wildcats, their fifth Big Ten Conference opponent of the season.
The Redbirds (18-31) have posted a 2-4 record against teams from the Big Ten this season, with both wins coming against Iowa. The Wildcats (21-29), who wrap up a four-game series with Michigan State on Monday, are just a half game behind conference leader Michigan with an 18-9 Big Ten record.
ISU head coach Jim Brownlee knows how important this week is for his team.
"I'm kind of happy that we have to get right back into the swing of things with a team like Northwestern," said Brownlee. "It will not allow us to dwell on what happened in the Missouri State series and should prepare us for the tough series at home this weekend against Southern Illinois."
Junior Luke Baughman (4-5) will start the 7 p.m. contest, in hopes of gaining some momentum for the rest of the weekend. Brownlee looks for Baughman to throw well, but will try to get some of his other pitchers who have not pitched lately in the game.
"Luke looked strong in his last outing against Illinois Wesleyan and we will be anxious to see if he brings the same stuff into this start," said Brownlee. "We will also try to give some of our other pitchers a chance to see some action, after not pitching mid-week last week due to finals."
