April 21, 2008
Final Stats
NORMAL, Ill. -
Michelle Henderson and Amber Smith combined for six RBI, capped off by Smith's walk-off home run in the bottom of the sixth inning, as the Illinois State softball team (21-18, 11-6 MVC) snapped Creighton's nine-game winning streak with a 9-0 run-ruled blanking of the Bluejays in game two of Monday's make-up doubleheader at the Redbird Softball Complex. Junior hurler Rachel Smith pitched a complete game shutout in the circle for the Redbirds.
The Redbirds shook off game one's late-inning woes by plating three runs in the top of the first inning. Amber Smith, starting at first base, single to third base to start the rally, followed by an infield single by Jessie Buker. Henderson followed with a deep home run to left center field to provide the early advantage.
ISU added one more run in the bottom of the fourth after Casey Gorrell, the second batter of the frame, walked to give the Redbirds their first base runner. She was advanced to second base after a sacrifice bunt by Abby Olson. Kaprice Williams then scored the run with an RBI single to center field. Katie Mathis grounded out to end the inning.
Creighton loaded the bases in the top of the fifth inning. Jessica Wakasugi singled to third base to start the flurry, and advanced to second after Amanda Hess fouled out near the Redbird dugout, causing a collision between third base starter Olson and Gorrell. Bailey Dawson walked two batters later, and Renae Sinkler loaded the bases with a short single into left field, advancing Dawson to second and Wakasugi to third. But TJ Eadus flied out to center field to end the threat.
The Redbirds answered with two more runs in the bottom half of the fifth frame. After Kara Nelson and Amber Smith were retired, Buker walked, followed by a double down the left field line by Henderson. Pinch-hitter Jennifer Brown then singled to left field, plating two RBI with both Henderson and Buker crossing home. Gorrell lined out to the shortstop to end the inning.
The Bluejays tallied two more hits in the top of the sixth, but could not manufacture any runs. Cassidy Nee singled to left field after Michelle Graner fouled out, and pinch-runner Jess Stigge was eventually sent to third base after a single by Wakasugi. But Liz McKewon ended the inning by grounding out to Williams at shortstop.
Illinois State ended the game early with three runs on one swing of the bat in the bottom of the sixth inning. Olson started the inning with a single down the left field line, and was replaced by pinch-runner Vicki Klopf. After pinch-hitter Kasey Martin struck out swinging, Nelson tallied a single to right field, and Klopf advanced to third on an errant throw. Amber Smith followed with a deep home run down the left field line, scoring Nelson and Klopf, and securing the run-ruled win.
Illinois State returns home Wednesday (April 23) for a 4 p.m. single game against visiting Indiana State.
