Sophomore Dominique Borba hit a single to left field in the bottom of the eighth inning to bring home senior Corey Harris and get the win over Utah State in extra innings at the Louisville Slugger Classic in Tempe, Ariz., Saturday afternoon.
The Redbirds scored one run in the first inning to take the early lead over the Aggies, 1-0. Illinois State increased the lead to 2-0, as Lauren Bierwirth was brought home as Abbie Scott grounded out to shortstop.
Illinois State held that lead until the fourth inning when Utah State scored due to a Redbird error, making the score 2-1. The Aggies recorded a double to left field in the sixth inning to bring home the tying run, evening the score at 2-2.
The international tiebreaker rule was put into effect after the seventh inning as both teams failed to score. In the top of the extra inning, Illinois State held Utah State scoreless. The Redbirds placed Harris on second, who was advanced to third with a sacrifice bunt by Katie Shifflet. It was then that Borba stepped up to the plate for the first time in the game and brought home Harris for the victory.
Head coach
Melinda Fischer was pleased with the team effort put forth by the Redbirds.
"This was a great victory for us," said Fischer. "This is the second time we have come back and won this season in extra innings."
The Redbirds brought their overall record to 4-4, and will face No. 13 Arizona State tonight at 7 p.m.
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