April 20, 2008
Final Stats
NORMAL, Ill. -
Junior Kevin Dubler ended any chances of a comeback when he hit a two-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, as Dubler's walk-off home run gave the Illinois State baseball team (17-18) a 15-5 win and a doubleheader sweep over Chicago State in game two Sunday at Duffy Bass Field. Dubler, who finished 3-for-5 with two doubles and four RBI, was joined by senior Kevin Konsler, who batted 3-for-4 with two doubles and a career-high four RBI.
Freshman Kevin Tokarski put the finishing touches on an impressive day, as the shortstop finished 1-for-4 with a RBI. Tokarski recorded his 28th stolen base of the season, which gave him sole possession of the ISU single-season stolen bases record. Junior Mike Stalowy also provided a lift from the batter's box, as he finished 1-for-3 with a stolen base, and tied his career-high with three RBI. The Redbirds received production up-and-down the lineup, as every player recorded at least one hit in the ballgame.
Freshman Ben Hays (1-1) was able to settle down after he surrendered three runs in the first inning to pick up his first-career victory. Hays finished with five innings pitched, as he surrendered three runs (two earned) on three hits while tying his career-high with five strikeouts.
"Kevin (Dubler) really got it going during the second game, as he recorded some big hits for our team," said head coach Jim Brownlee. "Overall, we swung the bats pretty well Sunday. We bounced back pretty well, even after we gave up three runs in the top of the first inning. I thought the Ben settled in, and gave us a good outing.
"Kevin (Tokarski) also had a great day. I've had some great base runners during my career that could really steal some bases, and he's right up there as one of the best. He does a great job reading the pitchers, and he's been that way since the day he got to Illinois State. What makes him special is that he is so smart on the base paths. He's a smart baseball player; he's come a long way offensively in the batter's box since the beginning of the season."
After Illinois State fell behind after one inning of play, 3-0, the Redbirds were able to cut the deficit to one run in the bottom of the third inning. Junior Quinn Ewert (1-for-3, one RBI) led off with a double down the left field line and scored when Konsler followed with a double to the gap in left field. Konsler was able to move to third on a fly out from freshman Corey Maines, and junior Mike Stalowy plated the right fielder on a groundout to first base.
The Redbirds gained the lead in the following frame, as Dubler led off with a double over the Cougar centerfielder and scored on a double from sophomore Gabe DeMarco. After senior Kyle Cherney reached base when he was hit by a pitch, both runners moved into scoring position on a single from freshman Ronnie Calvird. Ewert plated DeMarco on a sacrifice fly to right field, while Konsler stepped up and knocked a double down the left field line to plate both Cherney and Calvird. But the Redbirds were not done, as Illinois State scored another run on a two-out bunt single from Stalowy.
ISU added another run in the bottom half of the fifth, when DeMarco led off the inning with a walk. Cherney quickly brought home DeMarco when he lined his first-career triple to left centerfield, which gave Illinois State an 8-3 cushion. Dubler plated two more runs in the bottom of the sixth, when he hit a double to right field to score Maines and Stalowy, who reached base on a double and a walk.
The `Birds put the game away in the bottom of the seventh, scoring five runs, capitalized by the two-run shot from Dubler. Calvird reached base to start the rally and stole second to move into scoring position. Ewert moved him to third on a fly out, and Konsler plated the second baseman on a single. Konsler advanced to second on a balk and stole third to move ninety-feet away with only one out. Maines followed with a walk, and Stalowy recorded his seventh sacrifice fly of the season to score Konsler. Maines then stole second and later scored on a single to right field from Tokarski, which set the stage for Dubler's walk-off homer.
The Redbirds will travel to Champaign, Ill., to face in-state rival Illinois Tuesday (April 22) in a midweek matchup. First pitch is slated for 6:05 p.m.
