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batted balls · 11-18-2006, 09:35 PM

April 12, 2008

Starkville, Miss.--Timely hitting and strong starting pitching has been the secret to Illinois' early-season success.

"The pitching has been there nearly every game out," said Illinois manager Tom Dedin. "Our hitting won't wow you, but we've come through when the game has been on the line."

The results have Illinois tied for first place in the All-American Baseball League East with Miami. The Figthing Illini put together a five-game winning streak that spanned series with LSU and Florida State.

"We've played well on the road," said Dedin. "The warm Southern weather seems to agree with us."

Illini starters Fred Beebe, Carl Lundgren, Jeff Innis, John Ericks and Jake Theis have combined for a 1.94 team ERA. Beebe, a two-time All-Star, won the East Player of the Week Award. The veteran right-hander twirled a three-hit shutout in Sunday's series opener at Mississippi State.

Catcher Darrin Fletcher and second baseman Herb Plews are each hitting .400 in the early going. Center fielder Hoot Evers (shown below) and short stop Lou Boudreau have come through in key RBI situations.

"We're out to prove we belong in the race," said Fletcher, who hit .265 in 170 late-season at-bats a year ago.

Diamond Notes: Michigan's Charlie Gehringer extended his career-high hitting streak to 19 games with two hits Sunday. Florida State short stop Dick Howser set the East record with a 24-game hitting streak last year . . . Speaking of hitting, Michigan State second baseman Nick Picciuto has been tearing up the East. Picciuto, who batted just .188 last season, leads the division with a .486 average. The infielder has 18 hits in his first 37 at-bats this year . . . Miami closer Danny Graves has saved four games in five chances thus far.

Stat of the Week: Ivy first baseman Lou Gehrig's 57 career home runs rank him as the East's all-time leader. That career total, however, ranks him behind nine West home run hitters.

East Standings

Team W L PCT GB
Illinois 7 3 .700 --
Miami 7 3 .700 --
Michigan 6 4 .600 1.0
Florida State 5 5 .500 2.0
Ivy 5 5 .500 2.0
Michigan State 5 5 .500 2.0
Louisiana State 4 6 .400 3.0
Minnesota 4 6 .400 3.0
Mississippi State 4 6 .400 3.0
Notre Dame 3 7 .300 4.0

11-18-2006, 09:35 PM	#302 (permalink)
batted balls All Star Starter Join Date: May 2003 Location: White Sox Country Posts: 1,319 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0x in 0 posts	Road Winning Streak Puts Illini Atop East Standings April 12, 2008 Starkville, Miss.--Timely hitting and strong starting pitching has been the secret to Illinois' early-season success. "The pitching has been there nearly every game out," said Illinois manager Tom Dedin. "Our hitting won't wow you, but we've come through when the game has been on the line." The results have Illinois tied for first place in the All-American Baseball League East with Miami. The Figthing Illini put together a five-game winning streak that spanned series with LSU and Florida State. "We've played well on the road," said Dedin. "The warm Southern weather seems to agree with us." Illini starters Fred Beebe, Carl Lundgren, Jeff Innis, John Ericks and Jake Theis have combined for a 1.94 team ERA. Beebe, a two-time All-Star, won the East Player of the Week Award. The veteran right-hander twirled a three-hit shutout in Sunday's series opener at Mississippi State. Catcher Darrin Fletcher and second baseman Herb Plews are each hitting .400 in the early going. Center fielder Hoot Evers (shown below) and short stop Lou Boudreau have come through in key RBI situations. "We're out to prove we belong in the race," said Fletcher, who hit .265 in 170 late-season at-bats a year ago. Diamond Notes: Michigan's Charlie Gehringer extended his career-high hitting streak to 19 games with two hits Sunday. Florida State short stop Dick Howser set the East record with a 24-game hitting streak last year . . . Speaking of hitting, Michigan State second baseman Nick Picciuto has been tearing up the East. Picciuto, who batted just .188 last season, leads the division with a .486 average. The infielder has 18 hits in his first 37 at-bats this year . . . Miami closer Danny Graves has saved four games in five chances thus far. Stat of the Week: Ivy first baseman Lou Gehrig's 57 career home runs rank him as the East's all-time leader. That career total, however, ranks him behind nine West home run hitters. East Standings Team W L PCT GB Illinois 7 3 .700 -- Miami 7 3 .700 -- Michigan 6 4 .600 1.0 Florida State 5 5 .500 2.0 Ivy 5 5 .500 2.0 Michigan State 5 5 .500 2.0 Louisiana State 4 6 .400 3.0 Minnesota 4 6 .400 3.0 Mississippi State 4 6 .400 3.0 Notre Dame 3 7 .300 4.0 Attached Images __________________ White Sox fan since 1972 Last edited by batted balls; 11-18-2006 at 10:02 PM.