Oct. 11, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
With the game on the line and the red team trailing, 3-1, redshirt freshman Ryan Court had an episode of déjà vu, as he helped power the red team to its fourth-straight victory, 5-3, this time courtesy of a two-run, RBI single in the sixth inning of game four of the Redbird Baseball World Series. Court, who recorded his second-straight game-deciding hit, also scored later in the inning on a single from Eric Mahler in the Illinois State baseball team's version of the fall classic at Duffy Bass Field Thursday night.
Junior Dan Sorce came into the game and pitched two innings of no-hit ball to win his second game of the series, surrendering only a walk while fanning three. Sophomore Dan Weston (0-1) suffered the loss, giving up four runs on five hits and three walks in two innings of work.
With the win, the red team clinched the series victory, even though the teams will play the remaining three games on the series schedule.
The white team was able to take control early, as they took a 2-0 lead into the third inning. Weston doubled in two runs in the top of the first after starting white team pitcher Quinn Ewert led off with a single and sophomore Tyler McNeely walked and both advanced on a sacrifice from Gabe DeMarco.
The red team cut into the lead in the bottom of the third, as Luke Smith led of the inning with a double off the center field wall. Freshman Kevin Tokarski singled with one out, plating Smith to give the white team a slim, 2-1, advantage.
After the white team added another run in the top of the fifth, the red team was able to climb back into the game in the sixth. Junior Kevin Dubler was able to draw a lead-off walk, and advanced to second on a single from senior co-captain Kevin Konsler. Reshirt freshman Mark Evans was able to move the runners on a sacrifice, setting the stage for Court's late-inning heroics. After Court knocked in two and Mahler brought home Court on a single, Ewert and junior Mike Tokarski each recorded hits, with Tokarski's double to left field bringing in the final run of the ball game.
The two squads will face off again in game five Sunday. Be sure to check GoRedbirds.com for game-by-game recaps throughout the Redbird Baseball World Series.
