April 20, 2008
Final Stats
NORMAL, Ill. -
Freshman Kevin Tokarski and junior Quinn Ewert combined to bat 8-for-9 with five RBI, as the pair led the Illinois State baseball team (16-18) to a 13-1 win in seven innings over Chicago State Sunday afternoon in game one of a doubleheader. Ewert finished the day 4-for-4 with a home run and three RBI, while Tokarski batted 4-for-5 with two RBI. Tokarski also tied his career-high with three stolen bases, which left him tied for the ISU single-season record for stolen bases with 27.
The Redbirds, who collected 16 hits in the batter's box, also enjoyed a solid outing from senior Tyler Cox on the mound. Cox picked up his fourth win of the season after the left-hander threw seven innings and allowed only one run on eight hits. Cox was able to strike out 10 batters in the game, which set a new career-high, while he allowed no walks. Illinois State also got it done on the base paths, as the Redbirds combined to steal eight bases during the contest.
"We had some guys that had a big day in the batter's box, especially Quinn and Kevin," said head coach Jim Brownlee. "When you are able to get guys on base, you are able to do some things on the base paths. We did a good job with our reads. We swung the bats pretty well. It's amazing to see the results when you are ready to play; that's something that we didn't do yesterday. I thought that Tyler Cox had an outstanding game; he finished with 10 strikeouts and no walks. He really pitched well. I'm excited for him because he is still coming off an elbow injury from last season."
The Redbirds started off on the right foot in the first inning, as Tokarski singled with one out and moved into scoring position when he stole both second and third base. Junior Kevin Dubler (1-for-2, two RBI) gave the `Birds their first run when he brought Tokarski home on a sacrifice fly.
ISU scored four runs in the bottom of the second, after Ewert singled and senior Kevin Konsler was hit by a pitch to put two runners on with no outs. Ewert stole third base and scored on a single from Tokarski. After Dubler was walked, designated hitter Anthony Ruffolo (1-for-2, two RBI) hit a RBI double to centerfield to score Dubler.
Illinois State continued to cause problems for Cougar starting pitcher Josh Appelbaum (1-7) in the bottom of the fourth, as Tokarski led off with a single and Dubler followed with an RBI double down the left field line. Appelbaum was relieved by Patrick Hernandez, who allowed Dubler to move to third on a wild pitch and score on a sacrifice fly from Ruffolo. The Redbirds added another run after senior Kyle Cherney walked and was brought home on a single from Ewert, giving ISU a comfortable 9-0 lead.
After the Redbirds added a run in the fifth on Ewert's third home run of the season, Illinois State put the game out of reach by scoring three more runs in the bottom half of the sixth. Freshman Corey Maines and junior Mike Stalowy highlighted the rally when the pair recorded back-to-back RBI singles.
Cox closed the door on the Cougars' chances when he retired the final three batters in the seventh inning to end the ballgame.
