March 29, 2011
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -
Illinois State travels to a Big Ten Conference opponent for the second-consecutive week, as the Redbirds play in-state rival Illinois, Wednesday at 3:05 p.m., at Illinois Field in Champaign, Ill.
"Any time Illinois and Illinois State play, it's a fun event for players and fans," ISU head coach Mark Kingston said. "Our focus is on continued improvement, and playing good competition like this will help. We look forward to the challenge."
The Redbirds (15-6) and Fighting Illini (7-10) are both coming off weather-shortened weekend series, with ISU beating Oakland 6-2, and Illinois edging Indiana State, 7-6, Friday evening. The Fighting Illini were also supposed to play Missouri Tuesday afternoon, but the game was postponed due to poor weather.
With Illinois State's victory over Oakland, the Redbirds have built their best record through the first 21 games since beginning with a 17-4 mark in 1987. ISU was 11-10 at this point last season. The Redbirds also improved to 2-0 against Big Ten opponents this season with a win at Purdue, March 22, and a victory against Ohio State, March 11.
Coming off his win at Purdue last week, sophomore right-hander JD Learnard (2-1) will start for the Redbirds against senior right-hander John Anderson (2-1). Learnard has a 3.81 ERA in six appearances and four starts. Anderson has a 4.24 ERA through five appearances and five starts.
Illinois State trails the all-time series versus Illinois, 31-43, with the first game taking place in 1904. ISU played the Fighting Illini twice last season, winning both games. The Redbirds won at home, 13-8, March 30, and on the road, 4-1, April 10. Wednesday's game is the first of two regular-season matchups between ISU and Illinois, with the Redbirds hosting the Fighting Illini April 19.
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