Cutie Taylor went 5-for-5 tying the Illinois State single-game mark for hits, which was set in 1990 by Robin Smith, and tallied three RBI in the Redbird's win over Indiana State, 8-1, at Price Field in Terre Haute, Ind.
Illinois State (14-11, 8-1 MVC) held the Sycamores scoreless through four innings of play as the 'Birds tallied seven hits and scored four runs off of Indiana State pitcher Emily Germer.
Leadoff batter Shae Wesley gave the Redbirds an early boost ripping the ball to left field for a base hit and later scoring off of one of Taylor's five singles on the day to give Illinois State the lead, 1-0, in the first inning.
With the 'Birds hitting heavy sticks, punching 11 hits on the day, three more runs were scored in the second inning on base hits by Mandy Garner, Taylor and Corey Harris, who each earned a RBI.
Indiana State jumped on the bats scoring a single run in the bottom of the fourth off of a double by catcher Kate Gentile bringing pinch runner Melissa Biniewicz across the plate.
Playing errorless defense and intense offense, the 'Birds rallied for their last three runs of the game in the fifth inning going on to defeat the Sycamores, 8-1, in seven innings.
Audra Rast continued to throw rock and fire for Illinois State earning her eighth straight win and improving her record to 11-2 overall, 5-0 in Valley play.
Germer (5-10) took the loss for Indiana State, giving up 11 hits and three walks.
Scheduled to play a doubleheader against the Sycamores, the 'Birds ended up playing only one game due to inclement weather.
Illinois State's next meeting will be against the Drake Bulldogs this weekend starting with a doubleheader on Saturday, April 6, at noon and 2 p.m. at the Redbird Softball Complex.
