Ashley Dickerson
GoSycamores.com
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Indiana State (14-11, 0-0 MVC) continues home field action on Tuesday as they take on another Big Ten foe, Illinois (10-11, 2-1 Big Ten).
Week Schedule
Tuesday: vs. Illinois - 4:00 p.m. - Bob Warn Field
Probable Pitchers
Tuesday: TBD
Big Ten Wins
On Saturday, the Sycamores picked up their second win of the season against a Big Ten team when they defeated Indiana 5-1. Earlier in the season, the Sycamores faced the Iowa Hawkeyes at the Snowbird Classic in Florida where they out-hit the Hawks in an 11-3 victory.
Pitch Perfect
In Saturday's win over in-state rival, Indiana, both Ryan Keaffaber and Jeremy McKinney combined to have a day on the mound. Keaffaber did the work, putting in 7.1 innings, facing 29 Hoosier hitters, and giving up zero walks. McKinney closed out the game pitching 1.2 innings, allowing only one hit and striking out two. The pitching staff as a whole is second in the Valley with a 3.69 ERA, has struck out the most batters looking with 69,
Hunter Headlines Hitters
Junior Hunter Owen is going strong representing the top spot for the Sycamore hitters. Owen is currently swinging .379, and ranks top five in the MVC for batting average and second in the hits category. Owen has collected 39 hits in just over 100 at bats with nine being doubles. Leading the RBI category for ISU, Owen has brought around 24, and leads the team with runs scored at 25.
Kaden Chases
While junior Hunter Owen leads the team in most every offensive category, senior Kaden Moore is right on his tail. Moore is hitting .341 with 31 hits, just eight shy of Owen. Moore has collected 20 RBIs and has been hit with a team and MVC-best, 8 pitches.
Finding A Way
Senior Andy Young does post the number one batting average for the Sycamores, but the third baseman from Fargo, N.D. has found his way on base enough to score a team second best 22 runs, while leading the team in walks with 14, has been hit by seven pitches (enough for the number two spot in the MVC which he shares with teammate Hunter Owen), and knocking in 12 RBIs.
Protecting The Field
The Sycamores remain solid in the field, sporting a Missouri Valley Conference best .977 fielding percentage. Aiding in the performance is the team's ability to turn quick double plays. Through 25 games played, the defense has turned 19 double plays, with the Andy DeJesus and Tyler Friis having their hands on 18 and 16.
A Little History
The Sycamores surrently hold a record of 34-40-2 with the Fighting Illini as their first meeting was May 12, 1906. The Sycamores and Illini did not meet in last year's season.
Scouting The Competition
Currently sitting fourth in the Big Ten, Illinois Baseball (10-11, 2-1 Big Ten) has earned wins over fellow MVC foe, Illinois State, and Big Ten Penn State. Last season, Illinois made Super Regional appearance as the overall six seed in the NCAA Division I Baseball Championships. Pitching against the Sycamores will be RHP Andrew Marmlic who is 1-4 and has a 4.71 ERA throughout 28.2 innings pitched. Leading the offense is Jason Goldstein. Goldstein is hitting .382 on the season with 21 hits for the Illini. Anthony Drago, currently hitting .284 has tallied the Illinois team-high RBIs with 13. The team as a whole is 22-for-30 in the stolen base category.
Indiana State will host Illinois on Tueaday at 4:00 p.m. at Bob Warn Field. For more information on Sycamore Baseball, follow the team on Facebook and Twitter.
