March 22, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Illinois State baseball team has already played 18 games this season and has gone up against some pretty tough competition in the likes of nationally-ranked Nebraska and Arkansas. However, those games have just been preparation for the second half of ISU's season against foes from the Missouri Valley Conference. This weekend, the Redbirds (9-9) will open Valley play against the Southern Illinois Salukis (16-6) in a three-game set beginning on Friday in Carbondale, Ill.
For head coach Jim Brownlee, playing a tough non-conference schedule is necessary for his team before heading into conference play.
"Overall, we have played some pretty good baseball against some very good teams," said Brownlee. "We play a tough schedule like the one this year because I think it shows a team what their weaknesses are early so they can be corrected before Valley play. I think our players and seniors, especially, have done a great job on and off the field and I think that will translate into some success in the league."
The `Birds are winners of two-straight games and have won seven of their last 10 contests. On Tuesday, ISU defeated Valparaiso 5-1 in a mid-week, non-conference showdown and coach Brownlee earned his 800th career coaching victory. The Salukis have won seven of their last eight games and are fresh off a 7-4 victory over Murray State on Wednesday in their final tune-up before Valley play.
Brownlee knows that the Salukis are going to be a tough task to open conference play, but he's excited about the way his team is heading into this weekend's action.
"The Salukis are doing everything right now, both in the box and on the mound," said Brownlee. "We know we are going to have to play mistake free and hit the ball well this weekend. Coming in, we've won two games and have not committed errors in those contests so that's very positive. Our bullpen has also solidified itself lately and I think that makes us that much better. We are just excited to get into games that count and start Valley play on a positive note."
Freshman Ryan Copeland (2-1) will start for ISU on Friday against SIU's Jordan Powell (4-2) in the first of three games on the weekend. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Abe Martin Field.
