March 7, 2009
Final Stats
MINNEAPOLIS - Ryan Copeland struck out eight batters and scattered four hits over nine innings while leading Illinois State to a 2-1 win over South Dakota State at the Metrodome Saturday afternoon.
Copeland, who notched his third complete game of the season in as many outings, threw 66 of his 87 pitches for strikes while keeping the Jackrabbits (1-8) at bay. The junior left-handed pitcher didn't allow back-to-back runners to reach in any inning and improved to 2-1 on the season with a 0.89 ERA in 22 innings.
"I felt really good - my fastball was the best it's been all season," Copeland said. "Outside of one scare in the ninth, I didn't miss one spot with it and kept it down at the knees. For the first time this year my slider was a plus pitch for me, and my changeup is always there.
"Once we got through the line up for the second or third time, I started to go with more off-speed stuff and they didn't seem to have an answer for it."
Copeland's lone run surrendered to the Jackrabbits didn't even come as the result of a base hit. Billy Stitz reached with two outs in the third after being hit by a Copeland pitch and the speedy centerfielder stole three bases, including home, on the next three pitches.
Illinois State (3-4) pushed across runs in the second and third innings, both on sacrifice flies, with Mike Stalowy driving in Ryan Court for the eventual game winner in the bottom of the third after the Stitz serial robbery.
Evan Kohli drove in the Redbirds' first run and finished the game 1-for-3. Anthony Ruffolo, Gabe DeMarco and Ryan Court also had base hits for Illinois State.
Stitz finished the game 1-for-3 with four stolen bases. Layne Somsen was tagged with the loss despite allowing just three hits and striking out six.
Illinois State concludes play at the Metrodome Tournament against Western Michigan Sunday at 11 a.m., before continuing its spring trip in San Antonio, Texas.
