March 6, 2009
Box Score
MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota starter Chauncy Handran limited Illinois State to four hits in seven innings and the Redbirds committed six errors in a 16-3 loss to the Golden Gophers at the Metrodome Friday.
Handran held the Redbirds (2-4) scoreless through the first five innings, while Minnesota scored seven runs - just one earned - on Illinois State starter Ryan Camp. Illinois State scored a pair of runs in the top of the sixth and added another in the ninth, but it wasn't enough to spark any kind of rally. The Redbirds finished with six hits while allowing 11.
Camp was solid in the second start of his career, striking out five and scattering four hits over four innings, but errors in each of the first two innings led to Minnesota runs and a 3-0 deficit. Camp retired the side in order in the third but more errors in the fourth led to four more runs.
Quinn Ewert, Matt Werederitch and Kenny Long all pitched in relief for Illinois State, each making his first appearance of the season. All four Illinois State pitchers combined to walk nine batters, despite also combining for eight strikeouts.
Tyler McNeely led the Redbirds offensively with a pair of doubles. He finished the game 2-for-3 and also scored a run. Mike Stalowy and Mark Evans had RBIs in the Redbirds' loss.
Minnesota had four players collected two hits, including Nick O'Shea and Derek McCallum, who combined to drive in five runs.
Illinois State continues play at the Metrodome Tournament Saturday with a match-up against South Dakota State at 1 p.m. The Redbirds will close the three-day event against Western Michigan Sunday.
