Senior April Schermanns two-run homer in the fourth inning led Illinois State (5-3) past Michigan State, 7-4, after the Redbirds fell to Brigham Young, 5-2, in day two of the Arizona State Louisville Slugger Classic in Tempe, Ariz., on Saturday.
April had a huge day today, Fischer said after the MSU (0-3) defeat. She came back after the first game and got some quality hits that ended up being crucial. She really came through.
Michigan State got on the board early, scoring two runs in the top of the first. But the Redbirds answered back after Schermann, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI in the game, drove home one run in the bottom of the first on a single to right field and Becky McMurtry scored on a bases-loaded walk.
With Illinois State up by one, 3-2, going into the top of the third, the Spartans gained the lead again after Robyn Golden hit a two-run homer of her own. Schermann lifted ISU to a 6-4 lead with her home run, driving home Bridget Fournie who reached on a walk to start the inning.
The Redbirds topped off their scoring against MSU in the fifth when McMurtry hit an RBI single to right field, advancing home Katie Shifflet who reached on a single and sac bunt.
Against the Cougars of BYU (5-9) the Redbirds fell behind completely in the fifth after a 2-all tie was broke when back-to-back singles and two fielders choices topped off a three-run inning for Brigham Young.
We just didnt come prepared in that first game, Fischer continued after the days action was complete. We were lacking in offense in game one and I just think the team didnt prepare itself. They were still riding high from the Iowa win, thinking about the past, but they needed to play day-to-day.
I was more pleased with their effort against Michigan State, Fischer said. We had a couple of infield and outfield switches which I thought helped our offense and the team realized it needed to refocus. We have a problem with taking care of the ball after we take the lead and that hurt us against Brigham Young, but in game two we knew what we needed to do after getting the hits, take control of the fielding and get the outs.
The Redbirds wrap-up the tournament Sunday, with back-to-back games against No. 6 Arizona State, who at press time, remained undefeated in the tournament, 2-0, with wins over BYU and Michigan State.
