March 1, 2008
Final Stats
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -
Junior Kevin Dubler tallied a career-high four hits, including his first home run of the season, and freshman Corey Maines hit his second homer of the year, as the pair helped the Illinois State baseball team (3-2) to a 9-3 victory over the Valparaiso Crusaders (2-3) Saturday afternoon at Raymond C. Hand Park. Sophomore Ryan Copeland (2-0) was solid on the mound, picking up his second win in as many starts, as the Redbirds recorded their third-straight win overall and second-straight at the Austin Peay Invitational.
Dubler, who ended the day 4-for-5, added a double and two runs scored to go along with a game-high four RBI, one shy of tying his career-high. Copeland went 7.0 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out a career-high six batters and walking only two. Copeland also had his change-up working, throwing 60-of-84 pitches for strikes. Maines finished the day 2-for-5 with a run scored and two RBI.
Head coach Jim Brownlee was impressed with the individual performances during Saturday's win, but has sensed an increase in confidence as the team has begun to put forth a complete effort on the field.
"Heading into the game, our coaching staff thought that we had a favorable matchup with Ryan Copeland on the mound," said Brownlee. "He had his change-up working, and he did an outstanding job. After struggling the first two innings, he got into a groove and was able to have a great outing. Kevin Dubler had a huge day offensively, and that was a huge lift. The balls that Kevin and Corey (Maines) hit for home runs were really hit, and I think that they would have made it out of Duffy Bass Field, too.
"I think that we have had a really good approach at the plate, and are gaining confidence with every game. We are stringing some wins together, and I think our kids have really done a great job of being prepared to go play."
Junior Mike Stalowy got the Redbirds going for the second-straight day in the first inning. The Joliet, Ill., native led off the game with a double, and later scored on Dubler's double to right field. Senior Kyle Cherney then knocked in Dubler on single up the middle, to give ISU the early 2-0 lead.
After Valparaiso scored a run in the bottom half of the first, freshman Ronnie Calvird continued his solid approach at the plate, plating freshman Kevin Tokarski and Stalowy on a double scorched down the left field line. Dubler then came to the plate and turned on a pitch, driving it down the right field line. Dubler's rocket cleared the right field fence in a hurry, for his first home run of the season. Maines then followed with his own blast; a two-run shot that hooked around the left field foul pole for his second of the weekend to put ISU ahead, 8-1.
The Redbirds added their final run in the fourth, after Dubler hit a Texas-leaguer to centerfield to plate Tokarski, who led off the frame with a bunt single. Freshmen Kyle Nelson and Ben Hays, who made their first-career appearances on the mound, combined to throw two scoreless innings to preserve the win.
The Illinois State baseball team will play the host Governors in the final game of the Austin Peay Invitational Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Fans can follow the action with live statistics, available on GoRedbirds.com.
