March 9, 2015
Quick Hits
Illinois (11-3-1) has its best record through 15 games since starting 12-3 in 2009.
The Illini re-entered the D1 Baseball Top-25 at No. 19, marking the program's highest ranking since finishing No. 16 in the 1990 Baseball America final poll.
UI moved up to No. 22 in Collegiate Baseball's Top-30 poll and was ranked by Baseball America (No. 25) and NCBWA (No. 29).
In conference pitching categories, the Illini staff leads the Big Ten in wins (11), saves (6), strikeouts (125), opposing batting average (.182) and innings pitched (135). The Orange and Blue boast the second-best ERA at 2.00.
Offensively, Illinois leads the Big Ten in stolen bases (22) and is tied for first in home runs (10).
The Illini have outscored their opponents 75-39, with their highest scoring inning being the 9th (13 runs).
The Warren Nolan Power Index (NPI), which rates teams based on their winning percentage and strength of schedule, has the Illini ranked No. 4.
2015 Home Opener
No. 19 Illinois will play its home opener on Tuesday, March 10, at 3 p.m. against Chicago State at Illinois Field. The Illini return home after spending the first four weeks of the season on the road. UI is 7-2 in home openers under 10th-year head coach Dan Hartleb. Admission is free.
Parking Updates
The DIA announced parking changes to begin 2015. The grass parking lots surrounding Illinois Field will be closed for the start of the 2015 season due to effects of the winter weather. Fans attending games at Illinois Field should park in either the Northeast State Farm Center quadrant or the parking lot at the Bielfeldt Athletic Administration Building (weekend only) with entrance off Fourth Street.
Last Time Out
Illinois went 2-1 on the road at No. 10 Oklahoma State in Stillwater. The Fighting Illini captured a series win against a top-10 ranked opponent for the first time since taking two of three at No. 1 LSU (March 6-8, 2009). Illinois improved to 2-0 in extra-inning games thanks to David Kerian hitting the game-winning home run in the top of the 10th for a 4-2 win in the finale.
Jay Big Ten Pitcher of the Week
Fighting Illini junior Tyler Jay was named Big Ten Pitcher of the Week for the first time in his career (3/9). The Lemont, Illinois, native went 1-0 with two saves last week, totaling 7.2 scoreless innings in relief while only allowing three hits in three appearances. Jay pitched in Illinois' three wins, beginning with three strikeouts in three shutout innings for a save at Coastal Carolina on Monday. The UI closer earned his fourth save of the season by recording the final five outs in the opening win at No. 10 Oklahoma State on Friday. He improved to 3-0 on the year by finishing off the final three frames to clinch the series victory in Stillwater. Jay boasts a 0.00 ERA in 2015 and has held opposing hitters to a .121 average. He racked up eight strikeouts last week, giving him 23 strikeouts in 20.1 innings pitched on the year.
