Jon Peacock went 2-for-3 with two RBIs as the Illinois State baseball team improved their record to 4-1 with an 8-4 win over Pennsylvania, Sunday at Bullard High School Field in Fresno, Calif.
"This was a good win for us and a great way for the team to start off the week in Fresno," said Illinois State head coach Jim Brownlee. "This was the first time this season we have been really pushed after being up 4-0 and then letting Penn come back and tie the game, but our kids responded well. I was pleased with our kids' efforts today."
Illinois State was tied, 4-4 in the bottom of the seventh when Redbird relief pitcher Kyle Zaleski came into the game and allowed no hits and struck out one to open up the eighth inning. In the top of the eighth, Peacock led off the inning with a walk and advanced to third on a wild pick-off throw. He went on to score on a sacrifice fly by Jay Molina. The Birds scored three more runs in the top of the ninth inning, led by Kevin ODell with a double that brought in two runs.
Zaleski (1-0) recorded his first win of the season, while Jeremy Accardo picked up his first save of the season. Accardo moves into a tie with career saves leader Tim Hallam with nine. Josh Kauten started the game for the Birds and went 5 1/3 innings, throwing eight strikeouts and allowing one run on seven hits.
Jay Molina went 1-for-3 and recorded two RBIs. Jeremy Pickrel scored two runs and went 2-for-5.
The Redbirds open the Pepsi/Johnny Quik Classic in Fresno on Monday, March 10, at noon with a game against Penn State.
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