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Diamond Notes #2: Zerrusen Gets Illini Fans Up to Speed
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Pitcher Lee Zerrusen gives Illini fans something to look for once the Illini return home this spring in his second blog entry.
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March 4, 2010
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Hey Illini Fans!
Lee Zerrusen here with another edition of Diamond Notes. Last weekend we started off quickly defeating Notre Dame on Friday, 11-1, behind the stellar pitching performances of Will Strack and Mike Sterk, but ended up on the losing end on Saturday and Sunday. We are looking to get back on track this weekend in Greenville, N.C., at the home field of the East Carolina Pirates. Looking at the pictures of the stadium, it looks like we're in for a treat.
We open up the weekend against the host Pirates, who are ranked in the top 15 of every major poll. This should be a good test for our team and will be a big game in our quest for the NCAA Tournament. The next two games are against Western Carolina and West Virginia. Last year, we defeated West Virginia, but they have a good-hitting team that provides another challenge for us.
One of the new additions to the bullpen, freshman Tanner Libby, could be seen sporting some new gear last weekend. Being the youngest member of the bullpen, he got the distinguished honor of carrying a pink Barbie Princess backpack through the airport and to the games. This bag carries sunflower seeds, gum, and peanuts among other things for guys in the bullpen to have during the game. I know Tanner will be wearing it with pride all year, so make sure to look for him with it at Illinois Field.
Here's an interesting note from Wednesday's practice. We were slightly delayed by a small fire at the Irwin Indoor facility. Apparently during football walk-on tryouts a ball was kicked into a light. Don't worry, everybody was OK and the fire was quickly extinguished.
As I wrap it up for the week, I'd like to congratulate Matt Dittman on his selection to the All-Big Ten/Big East Challenge team. It was a well-deserved honor.
Until next time, Go Illini!
Lee Zerrusen #18
