April 23, 2012
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For the first time since Duffy Bass Field was renovated in 2009, the Illinois State baseball team will host a nationally-ranked opponent when the Redbirds (22-14) play No. 13 Purdue (31-6) Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.
ISU is in search of its first win against a nationally-ranked team since the Redbirds beat No. 5 Arkansas, Feb. 24, 2007. Illinois State has already faced one nationally-ranked opponent this season, losing to then-No. 10 Miami, 11-6, in Coral Gables, Fla., Mar. 13. Tuesday's game marks ISU's third against a Big Ten Conference foe. Illinois State has gone 2-1 against the Big Ten so far this season, with wins against Iowa and Illinois, and a loss to the Fighting Illini.
The Redbirds will try to extend their winning streak to three after taking the final two games of last weekend's Missouri Valley Conference series against Bradley. Ty Wiesemeyer led Illinois State with a .471 batting average, a .824 slugging percentage and a .526 on-base percentage last week in ISU's four games against in-state rivals Illinois and Bradley. He collected a team-high 10 RBI, with three extra-base hits, including a grand slam, a triple and a double. Wiesemeyer also scored four runs and drew two walks.
Illinois State's offense continues to rank among the top in the Missouri Valley Conference. ISU now leads the Valley with a .308 batting average, a .450 slugging percentage and a .408 on-base percentage. The Redbirds are also averaging 7.8 runs per contest, which is the second-highest mark in the Valley. On the other hand, ISU's team ERA of 5.28 is the highest in the league.
Purdue is batting .327 collectively with a .447 slugging percentage and a .391 on-base mark. Cameron Perkins is leading the offense with a .384 average, including 43 RBI. He is also slugging .570 with a .425 on-base percentage. The Boilermakers' pitching staff has also combined for a 3.09 ERA. Purdue is scheduled to start right-hander Robert Ramer (4-0, 3.16 ERA), while the Redbirds will counter with right-hander Brad Sorkin (2-2, 4.93 ERA).
Admission to Tuesday's game, along with every game at Duffy Bass Field this season will be free. The game will also feature $1 hot dogs.
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