April 25, 2007

Box Score

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Kevin Manson turned in another solid Wednesday start, striking out five in five innings of work, and Lars Davis was 3-for-5 with an RBI in Illinois' 9-3 win over Blackburn at Illinois Field. The Illini used a four-run sixth inning to take the lead for good and tacked on three in the bottom of the eighth for the final margin.

"I like the fact that each time out I see guys moving forward and not staying stagnant with what they're doing," Illinois coach Dan Hartleb said. "So this was a good win from that standpoint."

Illinois (19-17) jumped on top in the first when second baseman Joe Bonadonna legged out a bunt single and advanced to third when the third baseman's throw got away. One out later, first baseman Mike Rohde walked and rightfielder Daniel Webb reached on a two-base error by the leftfielder, who misplayed a fly ball, allowing Bonadonna and Rohde to score and put the Illini up 2-0.

After the Beavers (18-16) tied the game at 2 in the fifth, Illinois got back on top in the bottom half of the inning thanks to a three-run double by Rohde. Centerfielder Kyle Hudson led off with a walk and catcher Joe Mercurio was hit by a pitch. One out later, Bonadonna walked and, after an out, Rohde smacked a first-pitch bases-clearing double to left-center, putting the Illini up 6-2.

"We got some walks and got some guys on base and then came up with the big hit in the fifth," Hartleb said. "We were patient at the plate during that inning and just took what they gave us."

Blackburn added a run in the seventh, but the Illini got it back in the eighth when Hudson led off with a walk and stole second. Catcher Aaron Ifft, who entered the game in the seventh inning, singled, pushing Hudson to third, and Hudson scored on a wild pitch. The wild pitch also allowed Ifft to move to second, and he stole third when Bonadonna walked. Davis then smacked a single to deep center, driving home Ifft, while Bonadonna scored on the relay throw to second base, pushing the Illinois lead to 9-3.

Offensively, Davis was 3-for-5 with an RBI and Webb went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Rohde was 1-for-3 with a double, three RBI and two runs, and Bonadonna went 1-for-3 with three runs and two walks.

Manson earned the win with five solid innings of work, giving up two runs - one earned - on five hits and not giving up a walk while striking out five Beaver hitters. Luke Obukowicz tossed a scoreless inning of relief in his first appearance of the season, and Jonathan Smiley and Omar Kadir threw scoreless frames in the eighth and ninth, respectively.

"I thought Manson did a good job and competed well," Hartleb said. "That's part of the process where he needs to continue to be sharper each time out. He's gone out with good composure both times he's gotten the start and he's kept us in the games early."

Up Next: The Illini open a conference series with Minnesota Friday at 6:05 p.m., marking the first series of the second half of Big Ten play. Friday will feature free admission for all fans, along with seventh-inning stretch fireworks. The first 100 fans will receive a coupon for a free Chipotle burrito and the first 50 Illinois students will receive an Illini Baseball t-shirt.