CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois baseball team is ranked No. 38 in the nation by Perfect Game to begin the season, the publication announced Wednesday.
The Fighting Illini return shortstop Adam Walton (.289/.353/.395), catcher Jason Goldstein (.286/.369/.476), outfielder Pat McInerney (.290/.374/.425) from last year's team that finished with a program-best record of 50-10-1. Pitchers Nick Blackburn (3-0, 2.22 ERA), J.D. Nielsen (3-1, 2.92 ERA) and Cody Sedlock (4-0, 4.02 ERA) are also back after helping Illinois reach its first ever Super Regional a year ago.
Illinois opens the season Feb. 19 at Tulane, which has been rated as high as No. 19 in the nation (Collegiate Baseball). The Illini's first home game is March 25 against Penn State.
Big Ten Teams Ranked by Perfect Game
23. Michigan
26. Maryland
33. Indiana
35. Iowa
38. Illinois
40. Nebraska
