CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Fighting Illini junior Nick Blackburn will return for his senior season in 2016 at the University of Illinois. The right-handed pitcher was drafted in the 22nd round by the New York Mets, but did not sign with the MLB team. Blackburn was a key reliever during Illinois' record-setting 2015 season.
Nick Blackburn, Jr. - RHP
- 2015 Stats: 3-0 record and three saves with a 2.22 ERA, 19 K, 3 BB in 20 appearances (21.1 IP)
- 15 scoreless outings in 20 total appearances out of the bullpen in 2015
- Career Stats: 6-2 record with a 3.80 ERA, 52 K, 24 BB in 48 appearances (85.1 IP)
- Two-time Academic All-Big Ten
