March 24, 2011
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Illinois State baseball team returns to Duffy Bass Field for its second-consecutive, non-conference, three-game home series of the season, Mar. 25-27, against Oakland. The Redbirds (14-6) will play the Grizzlies (3-9) Friday at 3 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.
"This weekend is another opportunity for our team to improve and evolve," ISU head coach Mark Kingston said. "I have been pleased with our overall development so far, and I expect it to continue. Oakland is well-coached and has good talent. I am also anxious to see us handle the less-than-ideal weather conditions. All teams must be able to handle all types of situations."
Illinois State will try to stay hot this weekend after winning five of its last six games. The Redbirds, who are off to their best start since the 1987 season, are coming off a 5-4 win at Purdue on Tuesday, in which Matt Mirabal and Josh Colon each went 2-for-4 with a run scored. Ryan Court currently leads the Redbird offensive, hitting .361, with 26 hits, 18 runs and 15 RBI.
Aaron Wick tops the Grizzlies with a .333 batting average, while Tim Ryan ranks first in runs (10) and doubles (4). Oakland is expected to start right-hander Greg Welke on Friday, left-hander Aaron Wick on Saturday and right-hander Mark Leichtman on Sunday. The Redbirds will counter with three right-handers, including Corey Maines on Friday, Dan Savas on Saturday and Brad Sorkin on Sunday. ISU pitchers have combined for a 3.24 ERA, while Oakland has a team ERA of 6.55.
The Grizzlies, who last beat Alma, 13-1, Sunday afternoon, have never played Illinois State. ISU is looking to win its third series of the season, after either winning or splitting all four of its previous sets. ISU split, 2-2, with Belmont, swept Milwaukee, 2-0, split versus Miami, 1-1, and beat Austin Peay, 2-1.
Kids who cheer on the Redbirds at Sunday's series finale will have an opportunity to run the bases following the game.
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