Nov. 25, 2014
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BOCA CHICA, D.R. - The Fighting Illini baseball team had a full day of education, baseball and service on Tuesday in the Dominican Republic. United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Wally Brewster met with the Illini prior to a pair of split-squad games against the Houston Astros Dominican Instructional League (DIL). In the afternoon, the entire team visited the Escuela Hogar Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos orphanage and had an incredible experience playing with the kids.
The Illini enjoyed a full afternoon of activities at the orphanage, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, kickball and baseball games with the kids. Many players called it an eye-opening and humbling experience after interacting with all of the youth. Glove donations from the Champaign community also were given to the facility.
Brewster spoke to the Illini on the field at the Houston Astros Academy Complex, discussing the history and culture of the Dominican Republic. The U.S. ambassador enlightened the Illini about his role on the island and gave insight into the nation's passion for baseball. Head coach Dan Hartleb also presented the Chicago native with Illini baseball gear as a gift.
Game One: Illinois 6, Houston Astros DIL 1 (7 innings) | Printable Box Score
Junior Kevin Duchene struck out five over five strong innings, as Illinois defeated the Astros DIL, 6-1, in a seven-inning game. The Illini only managed five hits but capitalized on three errors. Seniors Reid Roper and Casey Fletcher each tallied two runs, while senior David Kerian and sophomore Ryne Roper each crossed home.
Illinois went ahead 1-0 after pushing across a run on a double play with runners on the corners in the second. Kerian and freshman Mark Skonieczny each notched RBI singles in the fourth to make to 3-0. The Astros DIL posted an unearned run in the bottom of the fourth, which proved to be its only damage done on the day.
The Illini were patient at the plate in the sixth, as they drew five walks, including two with the bases loaded. Sophomore Adam Walton plated Fletcher, while junior Ryan Nagle brought home Kerian. Fletcher also touched the plate in the seventh for Illinois' final run, scoring from second base on a throwing error made by the first baseman.
Juniors Nick Blackburn and Andrew Mamlic each delivered a scoreless stanza to close out the contest. Blackburn had three punch outs and Mamlic added one, giving the Illini nine strikeouts in the game.
Game Two: Houston Astros DIL 5, Illinois 2 (8 innings) | Printable Box Score
Sophomore Cody Sedlock racked up seven strikeouts in just three innings, but the Illini committed four errors and fell for the first time on the trip by a score of 5-2 in eight innings against the Houston Astros DIL. Sedlock was charged with three unearned runs in the first inning, while the Illini only were able to score in each of the first two innings.
Sophomore Matthew James doubled and later scored on a wild pitch in the first. Senior Michael Hurwitz singled home sophomore Anthony Drago in the second for Illinois' only other run. The Orange and Blue held an 8-6 advantage in hits, but could not overcome costly miscues in the field.
Senior Anthony Milazzo turned in two clean innings of work, while junior J.D. Nielsen was tagged for two runs in the sixth. Junior Matt Schultz had two strikeouts in his inning on the mound, marking 12 strikeouts by the Illini pitchers in the contest.
Illinois is 4-1 after playing five games over the past three days in the Dominican Republic.
Up Next: The Illini will have a day off from baseball on Wednesday and will take a catamaran ride to Isla Saona.
