Senior Audra Rast and Junior Corey Harris combined for a one-hit 2-1 Illinois State victory over Western Illinois in game two of a doubleheader sweep for the Redbird softball team. In game one of the doubleheader Harris went 2-for-2 with three RBI and one run scored.
Rast was the starter in game two going four strong innings, striking out three and giving up one unearned run on one hit. Then, in the fifth inning, Harris took over and blanked the Westerwinds, striking out one and giving up no hits and no runs in three innings of work to pick-up the win.
The only offensive production in game two came in the sixth inning when freshman Serena Cruz drove in two runs on a throwing error by Western shortstop Samantha Haynes.
Once again the play of the newcomers in game two impressed head coach
Melinda Fischer.
The young kids played real good, particularly nice defense, said Fischer, Corey and Audra did a nice job, mix that with good field work and that is exactly what they (younger players) needed.
Game one was more of an offensive show for the Birds, routing the Westerwinds 10-2 in five innings via the mercy rule. The Redbirds put up five runs in the first inning and never looked back.
Senior Shae Wesley was a homerun away from the cycle, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored, while junior Abbie Scott and freshman Mandy Garner drove in two runs a piece to go with Harris three RBI.
Freshman Krystal Gary got the win for the Redbirds in game one, throwing four shout-out innings, striking out five and walking three, while surrendering only one hit.
The Redbirds begin play in the Central Illinois Fall Festival, Saturday, with Eastern Illinois at 6 p.m. and Northwestern at 8.
