After starting the conference season on the road, the Nebraska Cornhuskers continue their five game home stand against the Illinois Illini Friday evening. The Huskers will look to win their ninth straight game, while the Illini look to even their conference record and climb back towards .500.
Illinois has very good pitching, led by their Friday starter Cody Sedlock. Sedlock has a 4-1 record with a 3.26 earned run average. He has struck out 44 in just 38.2 innings. Behind Sedlock, Illinois has a solid bullpen, as they have combined to average a 3.56 ERA.
Nebraska will need to watch out for catcher Jason Goldstein from Illinois. Goldstein was drafted in the 17th round last year by the Angels, but chose to come back to school for his last year of eligibility. Other than Goldstein, Anthony Drago is the only other Illini hitter to fear as he has four home runs on the season.
Nebraska will counter with starting Derek Burkamper who will look to pick up another victory. Burkamper has been off lately, as he has not lasted through the sixth inning in either of his last two starts. Burkamper should strike out a fair shair of Illini as they struggle hitting as a team.
Nebraska looks to hit the long ball Friday night as the wind will be blowing out to right field. Ryan Boldt and Ben Miller are two players to watch, as they could go deep with the wind being a helping force.
30 Minutes Out from First Pitch of Game 1 Between Nebraska and Illinois pic.twitter.com/Kdhye9ptXU
— Nebraska Baseball (@Husker_Baseball) April 1, 2016
#Illini lineup.
— Illini Baseball (@IlliniBaseball) April 1, 2016
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