The Redbird softball team ran its record to 9-0 with four more wins over the Queensland 23 & under team rounding out its winter tour of Australia.
On Thursday, the Birds won the first game 13-4. Sheila Emms picked up the win, allowing six hits, while walking five and striking out six. Offensively, Mandy Garner went three-for-three and Randi Patton was also three-for-three with two RBI. Stacy Birk was two-for-four with two RBI and a home run, while Lauren Bierwirth was two-for-three.
ISU completed the doubleheader with a 3-0 victory. Shannon Nicholson earned the W, striking out eight, while allowing just three hits and two walks. Dominique Borba led the Redbird offense with two hits.
Saturday, Illinois State took two more games from the 23 & under team to complete its tour undefeated. ISU won game one, 14-5, in five innings. Bridgette Krueger pitched one inning, giving up four runs on three hits and two walks. Birk came in to finish the game, allowing just one run on three hits, a walk and seven strikeouts. Tricia Gaither led the Redbird offense by going two-for-three with two RBI. Birk also contributed a home run in the contest.
The Birds won the second game, 5-1. Nicholson went the distance allowing just three hits on two walks and three strikeouts. Garner and Bierwirth both went two-for-three, while freshman Tiffany Prager was two-for-two.
The Redbirds will scrimmage against the Queensland boys 19 & under team prior to returning to the U.S. on Jan. 11. They open the season Feb. 4 in Miami, Fla. at the Diamond Fun & Sun Classic against Auburn at 11 a.m. CST.
