The University of Illinois Fighting Illini baseball team will travel to Terre Haute, Indiana, to play against Indiana State on March 18 in their first midweek road game of the season. The matchup is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Central Time at Bob Warn Field and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
This game provides both teams with an opportunity to build competitive experience as part of their conference and non-conference schedules, according to the official website. The Illini, currently holding a record of 10-8 overall and 2-4 in Big Ten Conference play, are coming off a series win over Minnesota where strong pitching performances were key. Regan Hall delivered his third consecutive quality start, while relievers Sam Reed and Liam McKillop contributed scoreless outings. In the second game of the doubleheader, Illinois scored four runs in the seventh inning to secure a victory.
Right-handed pitcher Sam Mommer is set to make his fifth appearance and second start for Illinois. Their opponent, Indiana State, enters the contest with a 7-12 record after being swept by Gonzaga in their first home series of the season. Outfielder Carter Beck leads Indiana State offensively with a .289 batting average, three home runs, eight doubles, and fourteen runs batted in.
The all-time series between Illinois and Indiana State dates back to 1961. Illinois holds a slight advantage with a record of 44-42-2 ahead of this meeting. Last season, Illinois won both games against Indiana State during their annual home-and-home series.
The Fighting Illini baseball program operates at the University of Illinois under NCAA Division I and Big Ten Conference rules according to the official website. The program offers student-athletes opportunities for competition, development, and academic achievement as reported by the official website. It competes in intercollegiate athletics as part of its mission at the university.
Looking ahead, both teams aim to use this matchup as preparation for upcoming conference games while continuing player development throughout the season.
