Illinois State battled No. 16 Vanderbilt to the final out, however the Birds came up just short, as they fell 2-1 to the Commodores in front of 1,455 fans at Hawkins Field during the second day of the Music City Classic in Nashville, Tenn.
Taking the loss for Illinois State (2-3) was senior Ned Schauff (0-1). Schauff went five innings and gave up six hits and two earned runs. Sophomore Eric Theisen came on to pitch the final three innings, allowing three hits but no runs. Picking up the win for Vanderbilt (5-0) was junior Jensen Lewis (2-0), who went 5.2 innings and gave up only one earned run while striking out eight. Lewis and the Vanderbilt bullpen combined to strikeout Illinois State 11 times.
Vanderbilt would get on the board first, as Mike Baxter singled in Warner Jones in the first inning to give Vanderbilt a 1-0 lead. Illinois State has yet to make it out of the first inning this season without giving up a run.
Tony Mansolino followed a Brian Hernandez double with an RBI single to give Vandy a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth.
The Redbirds would get on the board in the top of the sixth inning, as Jay Molina took a 3-2 offering from Lewis and sent it down the right field line for a double. Ryan Anetsberger, who was on first and moving on the play, came into score and cut the Vanderbilt lead to 2-1.
Vandy looked like they would add to their lead in the bottom of the eighth, as they loaded the bases with no outs against Theisen. However with the infield in, second baseman Lee Fisher caught a line drive and doubled up the runner at third for the first two outs. Theisen would then strike out the final batter of the inning to work his way out of the jam.
ISU would rally in the ninth, getting two runners on before Jim Kulovitz grounded out to end the game.
Illinois State will play its final game of the Music City Classic on Sunday, when they take on Belmont University at Greer Stadium at 1:00 p.m. Sophomore Dan Frega (0-1) will make the start for the Redbirds against the Bruins. Fans will be able to listen to the Belmont radio broadcast of the game, as a link to access the broadcast will be available on the baseball schedule at www.redbirds.org.
