CHAMPAIGN — Illinois didn't waste any time putting up a "2019" on the left-field wall at Illinois Field to mark this season's NCAA tournament appearance.
It's the fourth regional berth for Illinois baseball in nine years — a number that would be higher if the Illini weren't among the first four out in both 2014 and 2018.
Still, those four NCAA tournament appearances mark the most prolific run in Illinois history when it comes to postseason participation. Compared to the Illini's assured (Clemson) and possible (Ole Miss) regional opponents, though, they still have work to do to catch up with two of the nation's more storied programs.