Illinois State did all the little things right on Sunday, as the Redbirds picked up their first win at home during the 2004 season, a 6-4 victory over Central Michigan at Redbird Field.
Freshman Eric Theisen (1-1) picked up the first win of his career in his first start, going seven innings and allowing only four hits and three runs, while striking out six. Senior Todd Stein came on to pitch the final two innings, picking up the first save of his career.
Eric is very, very mature for a freshman, said Illinois State (5-8) coach Jim Brownlee. He did a great job stepping up when we needed a big performance out of him. I was very impressed with the resiliency he showed after giving up the home run.
Illinois State got their first lead of the weekend when Nate Whitney led off the bottom of the first with a home run, his first of 2004.
Central Michigan (6-10) responded in the top of the third with three of their own, taking the lead at 3-1. Theisen struck out the first batter of the inning but hit the following two. He then made a mistake to CMU catcher Derek Schaller, as Schaller hit a three-run homer over the left-centerfield wall.
ISU would plate two more in the bottom of the fifth as Brian Wilkin and Whitney led off the inning with a single and double, respectively. Chris Shepherd would then follow with a double of his own, knocking in Wilkin and Whitney and tying the score at three.
Illinois State would take the lead back in the bottom of the sixth, as Baughman would score from third on a wild pitch by Central Michigan.
Baughman would again be involved in the Illinois State scoring in the bottom of the seventh. With two on and one out, Baughman singled to right field driving in both runners and giving Illinois State a 6-3 lead.
That hit by Baughman was the biggest hit of the game, added Brownlee. He battled with two strikes and showed what kind of player he is.
The Chippewas would get a home run in the top of the ninth from Bryan Mitzel to make it a 6-4 Illinois State lead, but they would get no closer.
Illinois State will now have a few days off before returning to the field. The Birds will head to Evansville, Ind., on Thursday and open up the Valley season Friday, March 26 at 6:00 p.m. against the Purple Aces. The teams will play four games, with two on Saturday and one on Sunday. Game one Saturday will be available on www.wjbc2.com, while the second game Saturday and Sundays game can be heard on AM 1230 WJBC or www.wjbc.com.
The trip to Evansville will mark the first time Illinois State head coach Jim Brownlee has taken his Redbirds to Evansville since he left UE. Brownlee was the head coach of the Purple Aces for 23 seasons before coming to Illinois State last year.
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