The Illinois State softball team fell to 10-12 overall as it dropped two losses to Illinois, Tuesday afternoon, at the Redbird Softball Complex.
In the first game, the Redbirds took the 3-0 lead in the bottom fourth inning, as freshman Tricia Gaither crossed home for the first run. With Dominique Borba on first, Melissa Baker doubled to left center, advancing Borba to third. Kate Stake later hit a single to right center to bring home Borba and Baker.
However, the Illini tied it up in the top of the sixth and the game remained tied at the end of regulation. Illinois took the lead in the top of the ninth inning, and the Redbirds failed to score, losing to Illinois, 4-3 in nine innings.
Baker went 2-for-4 including a double, and Stake also went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Pitcher Audra Rast fell to 5-7 for the season and allowed eight hits, four runs and threw four strikeouts.
In the second game, Illinois State fell to Illinois, 2-1. The Fighting Illini took the early lead over the Redbirds in the third inning with two runs. Illinois State scored one run in the bottom of the inning as Abbie Scott hit a single to center field to drive home Lauren Bierwirth. However, it was not enough as the Redbirds failed to score again.
Scott went 2-for-3 with one RBI, and freshman Randi Patton went 2-for-3. Freshman Sheila Emms pitched for the Redbirds and threw four strikeouts, but allowed six hits and two runs. Emms record sits at 0-2.
Head coach
Melinda Fischer was disappointed with the days losses, but praised Emms pitching.
Sheila did a great job, but we were unable to get the hits that sshe needed to pull off the win, said Fischer. I am very disappointed that we were unable to pull off one of these one-run ball games. We still were not able to get the timely hit we needed to score, but we just didnt stop them from scoring.
The Redbirds will return to Valley conference action on Saturday, March 22, as they travel to Evansville, Ind. to take on the Purple Aces.
-- ## --
