April 13, 2008
Final Stats
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Illinois State baseball team struggled on the mound, as the Redbirds surrendered 13 runs in the third inning and were defeated, 24-7, by Northern Iowa in the series finale of a Missouri Valley Conference three-game set Sunday afternoon at Duffy Bass Field. The 24 runs were the most runs given up by Illinois State (13-17, 3-9 MVC) since allowing 20 against Missouri State May 14, 2005, while the Panthers' 20 hits were the most since Bradley recorded 20 hits against Illinois State April 25, 2005.
The Redbirds had only a few bright spots offensively, as junior Kevin Dubler batted 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and junior Quinn Ewert finished 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. Freshman Corey Maines (2-4) suffered his fourth loss of the season, as the right-hander gave up seven runs on five hits in only 1.1 innings of work. The Redbird bullpen didn't have their command going, as junior Dan Sorce and Ewert combined to allow 12 runs in only one inning of work.
"Corey couldn't get a feel for his fastball today, as he usually settles down after the first inning. He just didn't have it today," said head coach Jim Brownlee. "Dan Sorce and Quinn Ewert also didn't have it today, so it got to the point where we had to try to find someone that could get them out. I think we will just need to forget about it and get back out there and pitch. It's one of 56 games, so we will just have to get back at it and work on getting our confidence back."
Northern Iowa (20-10, 8-1 MVC) was led by shortstop Brandon Douglas, who hit for the cycle during the game. Douglas finished 4-for-6 with five RBI and four runs scored. The Panthers were busy on the base paths, as five players finished with three or more runs scored.
The Redbirds fell behind early, as the Panthers scored three runs in the first inning and five more in the top of the second to grab an 8-0 lead. Illinois State was able to cut the deficit to 8-3 in the bottom of the second, after sophomore Gabe DeMarco reached on an error by the Panthers' second baseman. Senior Kyle Cherney moved DeMarco to third on a double to right field, and freshman Ronnie Calvird plated the Redbirds' first run on a sacrifice fly. Ewert added two more runs when he took a 3-1 pitch deep over the centerfield wall for his second home run of the season.
The Redbirds' pitching woes continued to mount in the top of the third, after the first six batters reached base and scored. The Panthers offensive recorded 10 hits in the inning, as Brandon Douglas and Brett Featherston hit back-to-back home runs, while Chris Lopez also went deep during the offensive onslaught.
Illinois State scored two runs in the bottom half of the third, when Dubler hit a home run to right field to score freshman Kevin Tokarski, who led off the inning with a walk. The Redbirds scored a run apiece in the sixth and seventh innings.
The Redbirds will continue their eight-game homestand when they host in-state rival Illinois-Chicago Tuesday (April 15). First pitch is slated for 6 p.m.
