March 19, 2002

Bradenton, Fla. - Illini ace Andy Dickinson was named the Big Ten Pitcher of the Week earlier today by the Big Ten Conference office. Dickinson earned the honor by throwing a complete-game 11-inning gem against Bucknell on Friday afternoon to start Illinois 1-0 on its Spring Trip.

Dickinson threw 11 innings, allowing only three hits and one unearned run while lowering his ERA more than 1 ? points to 2.03. He tied his career high with 12 strikeouts. Dickinson faced only two hitters above the minimum through the first six innings before a throwing error allowed the game-tying run to cross the plate in the bottom of the seventh. From there Dickinson retired nine straight batters to sit Bucknell down in order in the eighth, ninth and 10th innings, giving the Illini offense a chance to rally. After Illinois scored four in the top of the 11th to give him a 5-1 lead, Dickinson struck out the side in the bottom half of the inning to seal the complete game win.

With the win Dickinson improved his record to 22-5, improved his 2002 record to 3-0 and extended his personal winning streak to eight games. This is Dickinson's second career conference weekly honor. He also won Pitcher of the Week honors a year ago after defeating Michigan State in the conference opener.

Illinois plays the final game of its 2002 Spring Trip Wednesday afternoon with a scheduled 2:30 pm (eastern) first pitch against the University of Massachusetts.