This weekend at the new Box --- I know we have two mid week games this week, but the Tigers next weekend series is vs Illinois – Illinois will come to Baton Rouge with a 5 – 1 record (no mid week games this week). They have recorded wins over Iowa and West Virginia – and last weekend they swept the Al Ogletree Classic in Edinburg, Texas with wins over Texas Pan-American (home team), Stephen F. Austin and Texas-Arlington. Their loss was to Notre Dame in their second game of the season. They have a slugging freshman at second base – here is part of a news release regarding his performance in last weekend’s Al Ogletree Classic -
Now comes the acid test for the Illini – From The News-Gazette (Champagne, IL) – The link: http://www.illinihq.com/news/baseball/2009/03/04/5_oclock_shadow ldskule::tigbas:
Well out of everyone they've played ND is probably the most solid, and they lost. However, I'm willing to bet that they're better than Miss. Valley State. Maybe on par with UCF (maybe better.) I think that UCF will have a decent season--they sure as hell have really good coaches. It shouldn't be too much of a test for LSU, but you never know. They have a lefty, Phil Haig, that is pretty impressive. Also pitcher Ben Reeser is pretty solid. Like Mike in Memphis said, their freshman second baseman Josh Parr is pretty good as well.
I agree completely. I think we will see at least one competitive game this weekend. Don't think it's going to be the blowout sweep that we've had the previous two weeks.
True that this is a Big X school, and it'll be LSU toughest test so far, but I'm not too worried about Illinois. However, Next weekend SEC play starts and we get Kentucky... I think that series might be a better barometer. Despite losing Cohen to State, UK signed a pretty good class (top five I believe,) and they return a damn good pitcher in Chris Russin. They were ranked in the preseason top 25, but two early losses dropped them down.
Illinois's Friday and Sat starters have both made 2 starts this year and neither has allowed a run. Will be some good ballgames this weekend. they have a team ERA of 2.6 Have they played LSU yet? nah, they haven't, but 2.6 is good even if you playing little leagues.
Re: This weekend at the new Box --- Game info from the Illini perspective – The link: http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/030509aab.html
