April 12, 2002

Champaign, Ill. - Reigning Big Ten Pitcher of the Year Andy Dickinson fired a four-hit gem to shutout Michigan, 1-0, this evening at Illinois Field. With the win Illinois improved to 17-7 overall and 4-5 in the Big Ten while Michigan fell to 9-17 overall and 4-5 in conference play.

Dickinson and Michigan ace Bobby Korecky dueled throughout the night with both pitchers dictating the game. Dickinson allowed only one hit and three base runners through the first five innings, while Korecky countered by retiring the Illini in order in both the first and second innings before allowing four base runners in the third through fifth innings.

Illini center fielder Brandon Cashman ended the scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth when he hit a two-strike offering from Korecky over the center field wall for his fourth home run of the season. It was all the offense Illinois would need as Dickinson would continue to shut down the Wolverine attack through the final three innings to preserve his first career shutout.

Assisted by a seventh inning double play, Dickinson faced the minimum in both the seventh and eight before walking Michigan's Brock Koman with one out in the ninth. After striking out Brandon Roberts for the second out, an error by shortstop T.F. Meagher put runners on first and second with two outs. Dickinson ended the Wolverine threat by inducing catcher Alex Coleman to ground out into an inning ending fielders choice.

Dickinson improved to 6-1 with the win. He limited Michigan to four hits while striking out six and walking two. Korecky allowed one run on seven hits in eight complete innings. He struck out six and did not walk a batter.

Illinois and Michigan continue their four-game series Saturday with a doubleheader at 4:05 p.m. Sunday's series finale is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.