Scott Bialobreski went 3-for-3 with three home runs, four runs scored and eight RBI to help the Illinois State baseball team pick up a 16-9 victory over Eastern Illinois in non-conference action Tuesday at Redbird Field.
Both teams took advantage of the wind blowing out to left field by sending a combined six home runs over the left field wall, while the Panthers Bret Pignatiello sent another homer over the right field wall. The last time Illinois State had a player hit three home runs in a single game was Mike Saunches against Northern Iowa on May 15, 2001.
Jon Peacock also recorded a home run in the game for the Redbirds, his second in as many games and of the season, while finishing the day 1-for-4 with two runs scored and three RBI. Chris Shepherd went 3-for-5 with a run and an RBI, while Lance McMillan contributed a 2-for-3 performance with three runs scored.
Kyle Zaleski (3-1) picked up the win for the Birds in relief of starter Brady Salter. Jeremy Accardo came in to close out the game in the eighth inning and picked up his second save of the season, which also makes him the all-time career saves leader in Illinois State baseball history with nine.
This was a very good win for our team, especially since it ends our recent losing streak, said head coach Jim Brownlee. Scott (Bialobreski) had an amazing performance today. He was even able to hit a homer against their top closer, who has been an ace for them (EIU) over the last three years.
The best thing about this win was that we were able to score runs when we needed to late in the game, said Brownlee. Eastern Illinois has a good team and they battled against us today. Our guys were able to step it up and respond to the challenge.
With Illinois State ahead 8-6 heading into the seventh inning, Eastern Illinois was able to score three runs highlighted by a two-run homer to left field by Kirk Walters to take the 9-8 lead. The Birds responded with three runs of their own in the bottom half of the seventh off Bialobreskis third homer of the game to take the 11-9 lead and with five runs in the eighth, including two runs walked in with the bases loaded, Illinois State sealed the 16-9 win.
Illinois State improves its overall record to 8-13, while the Panthers fall to 8-14 on the season. Illinois State heads to Carbondale, Ill., to take on Valley rival Southern Illinois in a four-game series starting Friday, April 4, at 2 p.m. All four games will be available on WJBCs webcast with Aaron Johnston providing the play-by-play.
