@ UT Martin 3/8 ESPN+

[Dmills]

The team is coming up from Arkansas for several days in Kentucky. Mid-week game against UT Martin followed by a 3 game series against future MVC foe, Murray State. UT Martin hasn't had a great start as they seem to be inconsistent looking at the scores of their games so far.

However, they did beat Alabama in a one game series. Alabama has had a good start to the season with their only losses being a 3 game sweep to #1 Texas and a home loss to UT Martin. Also worth noting, Alabama is coming off a 3 game series where they swept Murray State (Murray State's only losses on the season).

Not sure what to expect from UT Martin, but they did win their only other mid-week game of the season against a good team (Alabama). Not sure who the starter will be on the mound for ISU yet, but it will be interesting who comes out since it is a Tuesday game.

Probably will be my first chance to really sit down and watch a game from beginning to end this season so I am looking forward to it!

 

[Dmills]

Starting pitcher for ISU will be Trey Krause. I believe it will be his first appearance as a Redbird. I linked his story down below.

Battling back: Illinois State pitcher Trey Krause returns to baseball after cancer treatment

Illinois State pitcher Trey Krause battled cancer and is now set to return to the mound.

www.week.com

 

[isuquinndog]

It's quite the story. He had less than 50% chance of even living.

 

[Dmills]

Krause is out after 1 inning. Gave up 1 run on 1 hit and 2 walks. Struggled to throw strikes, I would say his control was fine though. Had a stretch of a lot of balls thrown, but lots of borderline pitches he wasn't getting and breaking balls that the batter wouldn't bite on. Hopefully he has the first game jitters out of the way now and I am looking forward to his next opportunity to pitch. Currently down 1-0 after 2 innings.

 

[Dmills]

Redbirds get the win 6-1 to improve to 6-4. Huge performance out of the bullpen for Cameron Mabee with 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, to lower his ERA to 2 on the season. He should be available to throw and inning or 2 out of the bullpen against Murray State by Saturday or Sunday. Birds got some help from a dropped diving catch on a fly ball from McCaw that initially appeared to be the last out of the inning which scored them 2 runs to put them up 3. Pretty smooth sailing in this one once we took the lead, though. The pitching staff held the Skyhawks to 5 hits while they helped our cause with 3 errors. Next up against Murray St. should be a major test.

Very happy for Trey and glad that his family could be in attendance. This was a huge deal and you can tell by how happy the coaching staff and his teammates are for him.