March 14, 2008

Box Score

BRADENTON, Fla. - After being no-hit for six innings, Illinois got on the board in the seventh and exploded with a seven-run eighth inning to defeat Eastern Kentucky, 8-6, in the opening game of the Illini's annual Spring Trip at the IMG Academies. Left fielder Casey McMurray went 2-for-5 including the two-run single that put Illinois ahead for good and designated hitter Daniel Webb was 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run. Starter Kevin Manson struck out a career-high seven in a career-long 6 2/3 innings.

"Manson knew he'd have to be sharp to give us a chance today," Illinois coach Dan Hartleb said. "It takes a special person to compete when things aren't going well and I'm very pleased with how he kept us within striking distance."

The contest seemed to be two almost completely different games, one that lasted six innings and the other that took three. EKU starter Christian Friedrich, Baseball America's No. 6 college prospect, was stellar through the first six innings, striking out 11 Illini hitters while allowing just three baserunners, all on walks.

But Manson nearly matched him strikeout for strikeout, punching out seven Colonel hitters in the first six frames while also getting some help from his defense. Center fielder Kyle Hudson made a diving catch in left-center to prevent a double and catcher Aaron Johnson threw out a would-be base-stealer in each of the fifth and sixth innings.

EKU scratched across a single run in each of the second and fourth innings, but the Illini cut the margin to one with a run in the top of the seventh. First baseman John Schlichter drew a lead-off walk and moved to second on Webb's base hit that broke up the no-no. After a strikeout, shortstop Brandon Wikoff singled up the middle, driving home Schlichter to make the score 2-1.

The Colonels pushed across two runs in the bottom half, but Illinois blew up in the eighth with seven runs. Reliever Chris Hord entered the game and was greeted by McMurray's lead-off single, then - one out later - Schlichter singled and McMurray moved to third.

Webb's base hit knocked in McMurray and pinch hitter Craig Lutes walked to load the bases. Wikoff then reached when the shortstop missed the double-play turn at second base, letting two runs score. Wikoff stole second and, after an out, second baseman Joe Bonadonna walked to re-load the bases. Hudson forced in a run by drawing a walk and McMurray delivered his game-winning two-run hit. Third baseman Dominic Altobelli finished the rally by plating Hudson with his own single, pushing Illinois ahead, 8-4.

"I was very pleased with how our guys battled late into the game and found a way to come out with a win," Hartleb said. "We did some good things once we got into their bullpen."

EKU scored two in the eighth inning to cut the margin to 8-6, and in the ninth, reliever Ben Reeser walked the lead-off man before coaxing a foul fly-out and a game-ending double play to earn his first win of the season.

Manson was solid in his first start of the season, allowing four runs on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings while striking out a career-high seven and not walking any Colonels. He threw a whopping 74 strikes in 100 pitches.

Up Next: Illinois returns to action Saturday with a 3 p.m. (CT) start against Miami (OH), a game that will be played at Ed Smith Stadium, the spring training home of the Cincinnati Reds.