April 29, 2000

Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois baseball team could not stop the offense of the Ohio State Buckeyes this evening as they dropped both games of a doubleheader in front of 1,336 fans at Illinois Field. The Illini lost 6-4 and 6-1, dropping to 30-18 overall and 14-9 in Big Ten Conference play. Ohio State improves to 29-17 and 10-9 in conference action.

The Illini were only able to provide an offensive spark in the fourth inning of Game One after scoring four runs, including two runs off of back to back homers by seniors Craig Marquie and D.J. Svihlik.

Illinois starting pitcher Ryan Kvasnicka lasted only three and one third innings after allowing four runs, all of them earned. He allowed six hits before giving way to senior Joe Sprengard (2-3) who eventually picked up his first loss in conference action this season. Ohio State was paced offensively by freshman first baseman Nick Swisher who went 2-for-3 with four RBI and two homeruns in the game.

"He was able to hit the ball hard and it showed with his homeruns today", said Illinois head coach Richard 'Itch' Jones. "He has been hitting the ball well all weekend."

Illinois was unable bounce back with a win in Game Two, as Swisher and the Buckeyes scored six runs on nine hits. The Illini were could not withstand the third inning when the Buckeyes touched Illinois starter Mitch Walk (2-4) for five runs, including a grand slam by Swisher. The Illini scored their only run on an RBI single to left by first baseman Andy Schutzenhofer to score junior shortstop Chris Basak.

Illini RHP Joe Sprengard returned to relieve Walk in the third, pitching four and one third innings while allowing only run run on just four hits. Sprengard struck out five Buckeyes.

The series will conclude tomorrow at Illinois Field with Game Four starting at 1:05 p.m.