Illinois State outhit Arizona State but the Redbirds couldnt overcome a big fourth inning by the Sun Devils, and fell 3-0 to the tournament hosts at the Littlewood Classic. The Birds had five hits to ASUs four.
The Redbirds (7-3) managed a hit in each of the first two innings, but they couldnt move the runners around the bases. ISUs best scoring opportunity came in the top of the sixth following back-to-back singles by Dominique Borba and pinch hitter Jen Wright; however, the following three batters went down in order on a pair of foul outs and a strikeout to end the scoring threat.
After ASUs leadoff batter reached on an error in the fourth, Mindy Cowles sent a line drive over the wall in right field to hand the Sun Devils (7-1) a 2-0 lead with one out. Valerie Sevilla singled up the middle and worked her way around the bases on a pair of groundouts before Sharee Zaleski brought her home on a double to centerfield for the games final score.
Tricia Gaither led the Birds with two hits, while Borba, Wright and Randi Patton each had one.
Shannon Nicholson (4-3) picked up the loss. She surrendered four hits, while striking out four and walking one. ASU starter Desiree Serrano struck out 11 Redbirds and walked one while scattering five hits.
