Illinois State scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game at three, however SMS was able to score on run in the top of the tenth and hold on for the win as the Bears defeated Illinois State 4-3 in 10 innings Friday night at Redbird Field.
Taking the loss for Illinois State (24-23, 8-11) was senior Matt Fowles, who pitched 3.1 innings of relief for the Redbirds and allowed only two hits. Eric Theisen pitched six innings and gave up three earned runs in his second start of the season.
Picking up the win for SMS (19-29, 5-14) was reliever Chris Krawczyk (4-1). The right-hander pitched 1.2 innings and allowed no hits while striking out three. Starter David Smith was excellent in a no-decision as he pitched 8.1 innings and gave up only two earned runs while striking out eight.
It didnt take long for the Bears to get on the board as Kirk McConnell, the second batter of the game, homered to center to give SMS an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first.
Theisen worked out of a no-out, bases loaded jam in the second, but gave up two runs in the third on a sac fly by Chris Taylor and a run-scoring single by Jacob Hilgendorf, giving SMS a 3-0 lead after the top of the third.
The Redbirds would get their first run off of Smith in the bottom of the eighth when a Chris Frank ground out brought in Jay Molina to make it a 3-1 SMS lead.
The score would remain 3-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth when the 'Birds would stage what has become their typical ninth inning rally. Pinch hitter Kevin Konsler led the inning off with a double down the rightfield line. Konsler would come into score on a single by Kris Jenkins to make it a 3-2 game. Matt Bolt would advance Jenkins to second on a ground out to first and Jenkins would move to third on a passed ball. Anetsberger walked to put runners on first and third bringing up pinch hitter Joe Burke. Burke was hit by a pitch to load the bases for Molina. With two strikes on Molina, Krawczyk threw a wild pitch to allow Jenkins to score and tie the game at 3-3. Molina would then attempt to bunt with two strikes and runners on second and third, however the bunt went foul, retiring Molina and sending the game into the tenth inning.
SMS would put up a tally in the top of the tenth as Matt Lawson beat out an infield single with two outs to score a run from third, giving the Bears a 4-3 lead.
Krawczyk set down the 'Birds 1-2-3 in the bottom half of the tenth to secure the Bears win.
Illinois State will try to even up the series tomorrow when they send NEd Schauff (5-3) to the mound. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. and the game can be heard on www.wjbc2.com.
