March 13, 2008
Box Score
BRADENTON, Fla. -
Senior Kevin Konsler batted 2-for-4 with two RBI, while sophomore Dan Weston pitched in with one hit and two RBI, as the Illinois State baseball team (7-5) won its third-straight game overall, 7-1, over in-state rival Eastern Illinois Thursday at the IMG Academy. Junior Jim Sajewich (1-0) threw a gem on the mound, pitching seven innings while allowing only one run and striking out five.
Junior Kevin Dubler continued to have a fast start at the plate, batting 2-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored. Junior Quinn Ewert was solid in relief, holding the Panthers scoreless in two innings of work to close out the game.
With Sajewich and Ewert pitching effectively on the mound, head coach Jim Brownlee believes that the pitching staff is starting to come together.
"Going into the game, our coaching staff felt that Jim was going to give Eastern Illinois trouble, because he throws strikes," said Brownlee. "Jim was really good today, and it was exciting because it was the first time he has been able to throw his curveball. We had four innings where we had 10 pitches or less, and that's a record for us. Jim was just outstanding today, and has been the whole season.
"I was also was happy for Quinn, who is coming off a groin injury. He had two solid innings of relief. Our pitching staff is starting to fall in place, and we are starting to figure things out. We will continue to decide on a third starter, and we have a nice pool of candidates to choose from."
The key to Illinois State's win was its five-run fourth inning. Dubler drew a walk to open the inning, and sophomore Gabe DeMarco (hit-by-pitch) and senior Kyle Cherney (single) reached base to load the bases with no outs. Freshman Ronnie Calvird then walked to score Dubler, and Konsler delivered a two-run single, which forced the Panthers to go to their bullpen. A sacrifice fly by Weston brought home Calvird, while junior Mike Stalowy singled to right field to plate Konsler.
Illinois State took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Dubler drew a one-out walk to start the rally, and advanced to third on a single by DeMarco. Dubler scored when DeMarco tried to steal second and was caught in a rundown, as he crossed the plate before DeMarco was tagged out.
After Eastern Illinois picked up a run in the top of the third, ISU came back and re-gained the lead at 2-1. Konsler led off the frame with a hard-hit double to center field and moved to third base on a passed ball. Weston followed with his own double, a line drive that landed fair down the left field line to score Konsler.
The Redbirds will be back in action Friday when they take on Akron at the IMG Academy. First pitch is slated for 10:30 a.m. EST.
