Illini exercising caution with Spillane's injury

CHAMPAIGN — Dan Hartleb pinch ran for Bren Spillane in the eighth inning of Sunday's game at Maryland after the Illinois first baseman drew a walk. It was a move the Illini coach knew he had to make.

Spillane, nursing an ankle injury after being stepped on earlier in the three-game series with the Terrapins, wasn't going to be much good on the basepaths. Spillane's status remains day-to-day with Illinois set to host Illinois State at 4 p.m. today in a game bumped up two hours with the forecast calling for moderately warmer temperatures for first pitch at Illinois Field.

"It's affecting him a little bit from a swing standpoint," Hartleb said, while adding Spillane's ankle was some better…