NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State will continue its spring break trip in Florida with two mid-week games against Florida A&M at 4 p.m. CT Tuesday and Florida State at 5 p.m. CT Wednesday.
Ranked Wins
For the second time this season, the Redbirds knocked off a ranked opponent as they defeated No. 13 Arkansas 8-7 in a thriller on Tuesday. Illinois State took an early 3-0 lead on a home run by Joe Butler in the third inning, and received key run-scoring hits by Ryan Cermak and Jordan Libman in the latter innings. The Razorbacks threatened with two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, but Colton Johnson came on in relief to get a three-strikeout save to end the game.
A five-run third inning ignited by Joe Butler and Braedon Blackford's home runs paced the Redbirds to a 7-5 victory over then No. 23-ranked Oklahoma in Norman, Okla. Feb. 22. The bullpen was key in the win, as it allowed just two runs (both earned) on 3 hits in 5.2 innings pitched. The series was very close overall, as each game was decided by three runs or less. Two of Illinois State's losses were by one run.
Breakout Performance
In a week where Illinois State finished 3-1, sophomore outfielder Gunner Peterson played a key role at the plate for the Redbirds, earning him MVC Player of the Week. The Salem, Wis. native slashed .467/.529/.933 with four extra base hits during the week. In a win against VCU on Friday, Peterson finished going 3 for 5 with a double, triple and grand slam to lead the Redbirds to an 8-5 win. Peterson finished the week with a team-leading six RBIs as well.
Strikeout King
With his nine-strikeout week in two different appearances, senior LHP Colton Johnson now has a MVC-leading 37 punch outs on the season. The Kewanee, Ill. native notched three strikeouts in the ninth inning of the Redbirds' 8-7 victory over Arkansas on Tuesday, and had six more strikeouts in an 8-5 win over VCU Friday.
Staying Perfect
In five appearances this season, sophomore RHP Derek Salata is yet to give up a run, boasting a perfect 0.00 earned run average in 8.1 innings pitched. Salata has yielded just six hits and one walk compared to nine strikeouts. During his two appearances this week, Salata allowed four hits and struck out four batters in 3.1 innings of work.
Redbirds Picked Third in MVC Preseason Poll
A year after finishing as co-champions of the Missouri Valley Conference, the Illinois State baseball team was selected to finish third in the annual Preseason MVC Coaches' Poll. Dallas Baptist, who shared the crown with the Redbirds a year ago, was picked to finish first after gathering 61 total points. Missouri State was tabbed second with 51 total points, with Illinois State close behind with 49 points. Indiana State was selected to finish fourth (40), while Bradley (38) was picked fifth. Evansville (21), Southern Illinois (18) and Valparaiso (10) rounded out the poll.
Familiar Faces
Despite losing multiple key players to the draft and graduation, the Redbirds bring back a solid core of players headlined by preseason All-MVC picks in senior infielder Joe Butler, redshirt-junior outfielder Jack Butler, senior left-handed pitcher Colton Johnson and senior outfielder/designated hitter Jordan Libman. In total, five position starters and nine pitchers return from last season's roster.
Tough Road Ahead
The Redbirds will be spending a lot of time away from Normal to start the season, as ISU will be on the road for the first six weeks of the season before its home opener on March 24 against Northwestern. ISU's road slate opens up with three straight weekend series' against Little Rock (Feb. 14-16), Oklahoma (Feb. 21-23) and Louisiana Monroe (Feb. 28-March 1). The Redbirds will then continue with four mid-week road games, the Jacksonville Invite and two other road series. Overall, the Redbirds will face-off with eight opponents that appeared in last year's NCAA Tournament, including No.1-seeded Arkansas.
Scouting the Rattlers
Florida A&M has struggled a bit to begin the 2020 campaign after being selected to finish second in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Rattlers currently sit at 4-9 on the season, with an upcoming matchup with No. 1 Florida Tuesday. FAMU is coming off of a season where it finished 27-34 and reached the NCAA Tournament after winning the MEAC Tournament.
Scouting the Seminoles
Florida State enters the 2020 campaign having made 42 straight postseason appearances. Last season, the Seminoles finished at 42-23 and earned their 23rd College World Series berth. So far this year, FSU boasts a 10-5 overall record after being selected to finish second in the ACC. The Seminoles are currently ranked No. 15 by D1Baseball.com and No. 16 by Collegiate Baseball.
Series History
The series between the Redbirds and Rattlers marks the first ever meeting between the two clubs. Illinois State battled Florida State in 2004, with the Seminoles taking the victory.
Game Information
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