April 18, 2011
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Illinois State baseball team gets a second chance against in-state rival Illinois, when the Redbirds host the Fighting Illini Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at Duffy Bass Field in Normal, Ill. ISU (24-10) will try to avenge a 14-2 loss at Illinois (12-19) earlier this season.
"Illinois is a local rival, and we're anxious to play them at our park," Redbird head coach Mark Kingston said. "We're ready to come out and play some really good baseball."
Ryan Court looks to have another strong performance against the Fighting Illini, after he went 2-for-4 with two home runs during the first meeting between the two teams, March 30. Justin Parr led Illinois with a 3-for-4 effort, including a run and a RBI.
The Redbirds enter Tuesday's game riding a three-game winning streak after sweeping their Missouri Valley Conference weekend series at Bradley. ISU's Kevin Tokarski will try to extend his season-best 13-game hitting streak during the non-conference mid-week game, while the Fighting Illini are hoping to bounce back after losing two-straight Big Ten Conference games to Michigan.
Sophomore right-hander Brad Sorkin (4-2) will start for the Redbirds against Illinois' senior right-hander Lee Zerrusen (0-1). Neither pitcher saw action during the first meeting in Champaign, Ill.
Illinois State trails the all-time series against Illinois, 44-31, with the first game taking place in 1904. ISU tries for its 32nd win versus the Fighting Illini at Duffy Bass Field, where the Redbirds are 9-4 this season. Illinois State is 8-2 at home against non-conference opponents.
Admission to Tuesday's game is free with a "Pack the Park" coupon, or fans can text the keyword PACK to 71857 for a free ticket, which will be sent to their cellular phone. The first 75 fans in attendance will receive a Redbird foam finger, compliments of Redbird Athletics.
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