Illinois steals more bases than any team in the Big Ten. This weekend, they stole a few games at Rocky Miller Park as well.
Northwestern (14-26, 5-13 Big Ten) lost all three contests by a combined total of four runs, despite tallying seven more hits than the Illini (25-18, 8-7 Big Ten). But this instate action was all about defense.
“They pitch very well and their outfield speed is amazing,” senior catcher Geoff Rowan said.
On Friday, senior righty Francis Brooke hurled a complete game and racked up nine Ks, but Illinois squeezed past the ‘Cats, 2-0. Northwestern flashed signs of a comeback in the ninth, putting runners on first and second, but Illinois starter Kevin Johnson prevented any further damage.
Offensively, there were still a few bright spots for Northwestern. Junior DH Colby Everett and sophomore third baseman Nick Linne notched two hits apiece.
Unfortunately for the Wildcats, Saturday’s ballgame was eerily reminiscent to Friday’s nightcap. The ‘Cats were again propelled by a complete game effort, and again, they staged a dramatic late-inning comeback but ultimately fell short, ending on the wrong side of a 5-4 final.
Freshman right-hander Brandon Magallones surrendered five runs in nine innings, walking four and striking out five. After six shutout innings, senior slugger Hamilton Wise broke through with an RBI single, and Zach Morton and Paul Snieder followed suit, making it 5-3. Everett then delivered a sacrifice fly, and after a wild pitch, the ‘Cats had the tying and go-ahead runners in scoring position. However, Illinois reliever Ronnie Muck then induced a groundout, ending a busy seventh inning. The Illini bullpen blanked Northwestern for the final two innings.
Illinois catcher Kelly Norris-Jones inflicted the most damage on Saturday, getting to Magallones early with two hits and two RBI. First baseman Jordan Parr recorded two hits and drove in a run as well. For Northwestern, Morton delivered three hits from the leadoff spot in the losing effort.
Sunday was again all too similar for the Wildcats, who took a third consecutive loss amidst another complete game and another frenzied ninth inning.
Morton took the hill for the series finale, and went the distance, allowing eight hits and three runs while lowering his season ERA to 3.88. Northwestern scored two runs in the game’s first three innings, but eventually squandered their lead at the hands of third baseman Brandon Hohl, who had a two RBI afternoon.
Things got interesting in the ninth, when the ‘Cats had the bases loaded with just one out. Rowan led things off and reached first on a hit-by-pitch, and Wise later responded with a single. But after Morton popped out to second, it was all up to All-Big Ten Second Teamer Paul Snieder. However, Illinois pitcher Matt Milroy downed the senior on four pitches and the Illini completed their sweep.
“We need to continue to fight,” Rowan said after the game, in between signing autographs for wide-eyed Evanston Little Leaguers. “We’re always one swing away.” The senior catcher’s batting average now stands at an impressive .331.
Entering the weekend at 14-23, there was certainly a sense of urgency lingering around the Northwestern clubhouse. Losing to their bitter Big Ten rivals certainly did not help matters. But as this weekend shows, the ‘Cats can stay competitive with anyone and boast unwavering spirit. With a team ERA of 4.15 and an average of 4.4 runs scored per contest, there is room for improvement, but Northwestern’s 2012 campaign is far from over.
The Wildcats take on Northern Illinois on Tuesday before hosting Oakland on Wednesday, and then travel to Columbus for a big three game series against Ohio State.