It took eight innings in the second game of todays doubleheader, but the Bradley Braves upset the Illinois State softball team, as they split with the Redbirds, today at the Redbird Softball Complex.
After a scoreless seven innings, game two of the doubleheader went into the eighth inning. The Redbirds looked as if they would score in the top of the eighth with the bases loaded, but Kate Stake lined out to right field to retire Illinois State.
Illinois State pitcher Corey Harris and the Redbirds had retired 15 consecutive batters until Bradleys Stefanie Cheney reached first base on a Redbird error. Amy Tubbs reached first on a fielders choice, as Cheney advanced to second on a Redbird throwing error. Laura Harms hit a single up the middle to drive home Cheney and upset the Redbirds, 1-0.
With todays loss, the Redbirds fall to 12-1 in the Valley and head coach
Melinda Fischer was less than pleased.
I am very disappointed with the way the day ended, especially the last inning of the second game, said Fischer. I am really disappointed with the defensive errors that cost us the game.
We could not capitalize on the timely hits, and we just did not play a smart eighth inning, added Fischer.
Although the Redbirds won the first game, 1-0, thanks to an Emily Krueger solo homer to center field, her second of the season, fellow Redbird Lauren Bierwirths seven game hitting streak came to an end. Bierwrith was 0-for-2, as she was walked in the second inning, lined out to third base in the fourth and reached on a fielders choice in the sixth.
In game one, Mandy Garner pinch-hit for Stake and recorded a single. Redbird pitcher Audra Rast improved her record to 11-8, and hurled 11 strikeouts, zero walks, and gave up zero runs on two hits.
In game two, Harris fell to 7-5, allowing one run on two hits. Melissa Baker was 2-for-4 and Bierwirth was 1-for-2. Freshman Tricia Gaither went 3-for-7 on the day and has a six-game hitting streak of her own.
The Redbirds, 19-16 overall, will try to redeem themselves as they take to the field again versus Bradley, Sunday, for a noon ballgame at the Redbird Softball Complex.
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