Mike Quinlan threw a complete game shutout over No. 10 Wichita State, allowing only five hits, while Greg Blaesing smacked a solo homer and RBI double to score both Redbird runs as the Illinois State baseball team beat Wichita State, 2-0, for the first time since 1995.
Wichita State (38-12, 20-7) has not been shutout since April 6 of this year, a one-run decision against Indiana State. It is the first shutout of the year for the Redbirds, who improve to 21-26, 11-14. After a day-long rain delay, the single game was finally played at 7:30 tonight at Redbird Field and both teams notched five hits, while Wichita State had a rare three errors on the game.
It felt so awesome to beat this team, Blaesing said after the game. There have been so many times where we have played Wichita and been up in the ninth and the team finds a way to win. But Mike (Quinlan) really battled for us tonight and there was no pressure. He set the tempo the whole game.
With a dual on the mound between starting pitcher David Sanders of Wichita State and Mike Quinlan of Illinois State, only three hits were recorded between both teams in four complete innings.
Illinois State notched its first hit in the fourth inning but didnt score until the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, the Redbirds took a one-run lead on Blaesings third home run of the season, a high fly round-tripper that landed over the left-field fence.
With two outs in the same inning, Illinois State had the chance to take a more commanding lead after Scott Legan reached first on the second Shocker error of the game. The next batter, Kevin ODell, ripped a double down the left line as Legan advanced to third but Brad Bouris grounded out to the shortstop to end the inning.
The Redbirds scored its second run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Blaesing smacked a two-out double to left center to drive home Legan, who reached on the third Shocker error. Mike Saunches was also on base at the time and was waved home but was out at the plate.
The Shockers had a runner on third in the eighth inning with one out, but couldnt score a run.
This game should make Mike (Quinlan) feel so good because we have had really talented pitchers come out that couldnt beat Wichita, head coach Jeff Stewart said. The elements were in our favor, it was definitely a day for pitching and with the game Mike threw behind a solid defensive effort, we pulled it out.
I hope it is not another six years until we beat this team again, Stewart continued. In all honestly, we didnt play perfect but we found a way to compete well. Certain guys really stepped up and the mental toughness emerged out of this team tonight against Mikes effort.
The Redbirds and Shockers play its series finale at 1 p.m. tomorrow at Redbird Field.
