CHAMPAIGN — Consider the jump Cam McDonald has made in his baseball career in the last year.
Last June, McDonald pitched the final two innings of the Class 2A state championship game at Peoria's Dozer Park. His shutout effort for the save capped Spring Valley Hall's title-clinching 4-1 victory against Teutopolis.
This June? McDonald will patrol left field at Mississippi's Swayze Field and bat in the middle of the Illinois lineup during this weekend's NCAA regional action.
The Illini play at 3 p.m. Friday against Clemson in their opener, but will play into June regardless in the double-elimination tournament.