Matt Bolt went 2-3 with three RBI and Kris Jenkins had three hits for Illinois State, however the Redbirds let an early 4-0 lead get away and fell 6-4 to Northern Illinois in DeKalb on Tuesday afternoon at McKinzie Field.
Taking the loss for Illinois State (12-15) was sophomore Luke Baughman (1-2). Baughman went five innings and allowed seven hits and five earned runs while striking out one and walking four. Senior Brandon Gale came on to pitch the final three innings and allowed only one hit and one unearned run while striking out two.
Picking up the win for Northern Illinois (7-16) was senior Josh Goodwin (1-0), who came on in relief in the fifth inning.
Making the start for the Huskies was freshman Matt Jernstad. The lefty lasted 4.1 innings and gave up three earned runs with five walks in a no decision.
Illinois State was able to get on the board in the top of the first inning, as Ryan Anetsberger would reach on an error to start the game. After advancing to second on a sac bunt by Chris Frank, Anetsberger would come in to score on a single down the left field line by Bolt.
The Redbirds would start off the top of the fourth with four straight singles from Jenkins, Blake Schoonover, Lee Fischer and Anetsberger, with Fischers hit bringing in Jenkins and Anetsbergers single bringing home Schoonover. With one out and runners on second and third, Bolt would drive in his second run of the game with a sac fly to left, giving ISU a 4-0 lead after the top of the fourth.
The Huskies would get on the board in the bottom half of the fourth as Anthony Venetucci singled to center to bring home a run and cut the Redbird lead to 4-1.
Baughman would run into a jam in the bottom of the fifth, as he would give up two one out singles and then hit a batter to load the bases. Baughman would then walk in a run and induce a ground ball out that would also bring in a run to make it a 4-3 Redbird lead. With two outs and runners on second and third, Huskie Brian Smith would single to right center field to bring in two more runs and give Northern Illinois a 5-4 lead after the fifth.
ISU would miss a golden opportunity in the top of the sixth as Kyle OBrien would strike out looking with the bases loaded to end the Redbird half of the sixth.
The Huskies would add one more run in the bottom of the eighth to make it a 6-4 lead and the Birds would not threaten in the ninth.
Illinois State will next be in action on Friday night, when the Redbirds take on nationally ranked Wichita State Friday night at 7:00 p.m. in Wichita, Kan., in a three-game Valley series. Matt Fowles (3-1) will make the start for the Redbirds.
