AT THE PLATE

Although Brandon Hohl's career-high 10-game hitting streak came to an end with an 0-for-3 night, the Illini third baseman made his final plate appearance a productive — and critical — one. During the UI's go-ahead two-run rally in the eighth inning, the sophomore followed a leadoff single by Matt Dittman with a sacrifice bunt. Dittman ended up scoring the tying run.

ON THE MOUND

Illini senior Wes Braun, who entered the season without a save, earned his team-high fourth with a scoreless ninth inning. It wasn't without its drama, however. After retiring the first two batters, Braun yielded a walk and a single to short right field before knocking down a liner back to the mound and throwing out Trevor Willis to end the game.

LINEUP REALIGNED

Illini shortstop Josh Parr was scratched from the lineup after "tweaking" his knee during batting practice. The junior had started every game since the start of the 2010 season, and it was just the fourth time in Parr's UI career he wasn't in the starting lineup. Starting second baseman Thomas Lindauer took Parr's place at shortstop, and Parr's younger brother, Justin, started at second. Justin Parr, who had been the UI's designated hitter for the previous six games, was replaced in that role by fifth-year senior Pat Sheehan.

IN THE FIELD

Justin Parr, seeing his first action in the field since March 18, made a nifty play to retire Iowa's Tyson Blaser for the first out of the fourth inning. The Illini second baseman ranged far to his right to snag a sharp grounder up the middle and threw out the Hawkeye cleanup batter.

ON DECK

The three-game series continues today at 6:05 p.m., with fifth-year senior John Anderson (3-2, 3.41) scheduled to start for the Illini against junior Nick Brown (3-2, 2.85) in a matchup of right-handers. Anderson, a former walk-on, will make his eighth start of the season after working exclusively out of the bullpen during his previous two years with the Illini. The Mount Vernon native's 1.37 WHIP (walks plus hits divided by innings pitched) is the best among regulars on the staff. Brown, who earned Big Ten Pitcher of the Week honors on March 21, pitched eight innings and earned the win last season in a 6-4 victory against Illinois.