Senior Corey Harris went 2-for-3 including a two-run homer in the fourth inning to lead Illinois State to a 3-0 shutout victory over Northern Iowa, Sunday, at the Redbird Softball Complex. The Redbirds improved their record to 10-10 overall and 3-0 in the Valley.
It was a fairly quick game of three-up-three-down for both teams until the bottom of the fourth when Redbird senior Abbie Scott led Illinois State off with a double to left center. Kate Stake then grounded out to shortstop. Senior Melissa Baker hit a double to bring home Scott and record the RBI. Harris then brought in Baker with her homerun over the left center field wall. The homerun was Harris second of her career and the first Redbird homer of the season.
It felt so good to hit that homerun because I generally dont expect that, said Harris. It was just awesome to open the conference season with three wins. We have so many goals in the Valley and it was a great way to start off.
Redbird pitcher Audra Rast picked up the win and improved her record to 5-6. She allowed three Panther hits and hurled eight strikeouts. Scott went 2-for-3 including her double in the fourth, as did Baker.
Illinois State opened the Valley season with three wins and two shutouts and head coach
Melinda Fischer could not be happier.
It was just awesome and I am so proud of this group, said Fischer. They overcame some things that had not been going our way and finally got the bats going. I am pleased to see Audra get the two shutouts and it was great to see Corey step into the leadership role.
Northern Iowa is a great hitting ball team and to shut them out twice shows we did a good job defensively, said Fischer.
The Redbirds will return to action on Tuesday, March 18, as they face Big Ten opponent Illinois, at the Redbird Softball Complex for a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.
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