Randi Patton hit two home runs en route to Illinois States 10-1 five-inning win over Long Island in the opening game of the Littlewood Classic in Tempe, Ariz.
The junior left fielder started the rally with a home run in the bottom of the second inning as ISU scored six runs on five hits, a walk and an error. After a groundout, RaeAnn Ewen walked and moved to second on a Mandy Garner single. Tricia Gaither then reached on an error as Ewen tallied the Birds second run. Kate Stake then homered to left to make it 5-0. Following a double by Dominique Borba, Stacy Birk plated Illinois States final run of the inning on a double to right center.
In the bottom of the third, the Birds tacked on three more runs on two hits and a pair of walks. Lauren Bierwirth led off with a single to left field and advanced to second when Ewen was walked a second time. Then the pair pulled off a double steal to put two runners in scoring position. Then Garner was walked to load the bases. Gaither followed with a double to left center to clear the bases and give ISU a 9-0 lead.
With one out in the fourth, Patton homered again to put the Redbirds up 10-0. But Long Island wouldnt go quietly as Briana Mathiesen homered to right in the top of the fifth with one out. The Blackbirds loaded the bases with two outs but Birk struck out the final batter to get out of the inning.
Patton was two-for-three with two RBI, while Stake was two-for-three with three RBI and Gaither had four RBI. Birk picked up the win for the Redbirds, striking out four and walking one. She was in the midst of a perfect game until the fifth when LIU recorded a walk and three hits.
The Redbirds take on tournament host Arizona State at 6 p.m. CST.
