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COLUMBUS, Ohio — For a change, Illinois didn't need any late-inning magic to keep its winning streak intact.

That's OK with coach Dan Hartleb, whose nerves need a break.

"I'm tired. Tired mentally, tired physically," Hartleb said. "And I'm extremely happy."

With John Anderson providing solid starting pitching and two RBI from No. 9 hitter Josh Parr, the top-seeded Illini beat second-seeded Michigan State 4-1 on Friday for their seventh consecutive win. Another victory will give Illinois the Big Ten tournament title and a trip to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2000.

"It hasn't sunk in. I don't think anything will sink in until we're done playing baseball this season," Anderson said.

Illinois plays next at 6 p.m. today (WDWS 1400-AM, Big Ten Network) against the winner of today's Michigan State-Minnesota game. Hartleb went over the schedule in a reserved Illinois locker room Friday night.

"These guys don't need a rah-rah speech," Hartleb said. "They just need to go out and play baseball. They've handled it well all season."

In January, Hartleb hinted that the 2011 season could be special. Even an early-season slump didn't deter the coach from thinking positively.

"They're a special group because of their work ethic, their attitude, their leadership," he said. "The telltale sign is we were horrible in the first half of the season, and they never pointed fingers or turned on each other. The clubhouse has been extremely composed."

The Illini, who rallied in the ninth inning in Thursday's tournament opener against Ohio State, never trailed Michigan State. Anderson went 71/3 innings, scattering six hits and allowing one earned run. Chris Pack was flawless in relief.

"The defense was the story tonight," Anderson said. "They picked me up, they picked Pack up. It's easy to go out there when they're playing like that."

Anderson (7-6), who struggled against Indiana last weekend, was sharp against the Spartans. It was his turn to deliver, he said.

"You're seeing guys pick each other up," he said. "On any night, any facet of the game can win it. That leads to a team that is hard to beat."

Tonight, left-hander Corey Kimes (3-4, 5.81 ERA) will start for the Illini (27-25).

"The guys know what's on the line," Hartleb said. "This has been a goal all year: 'Let's get into the tournament, win it and go to regionals.' "

Adam Davis had three hits and Justin Parr added two.

"I knew we had it in us," Davis said. "We have great athletes and great pitching. We struggled early in the season, but now we are hitting on all cylinders."

Matt Dittman hit his fifth home run of the season for the Illini, whose rally against Ohio State was its 19th comeback win of the season.

"I keep aging a lot in a hurry," Hartleb said late Thursday night.

A day later, the coach was more relaxed. Kind of.

"I'd rather we had won 20-1," he said. "Maybe we can do that tomorrow."

Michigan State takes on a Minnesota team that won twice Friday to stay in contention. The Gophers beat Ohio State 9-4 and Purdue 1-0.

"I still think we are the best team in the conference, but please don't take that the wrong way," Michigan State coach Jake Boss Jr. said. "I think in order to be successful you have to think that way. I know Illinois thinks that way and rightfully so. Minnesota thinks the same way — that is why we are all in this position."

If Illinois were to lose today, an if necessary game will be played at 11 a.m. Sunday.

"I don't think anyone in here gave up on the idea of (reaching the NCAA tournament)," Anderson said. "We came into this season high on this team. We have nine seniors and a bunch of juniors, and in college baseball that's a recipe for success."