May 7, 2011
Final Stats
Post-Game Interview
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State leadoff hitter Kevin Tokarski reached base four times, all via the base on balls, but didn't cross the plate until the bottom of the ninth inning, as the Redbirds' offensive woes continued in a 6-3 Missouri Valley Conference loss to Missouri State at Duffy Bass Field Saturday afternoon.
In the two games against the Bears, the Redbirds have let a total of 24 men on base, including 11 in Saturday's game. The loss dropped ISU's record to 27-15 on the season and 7-7 in Valley play, while Missouri State improved to 27-17 and 8-5, respectively.
MSU's Luke Voit started the scoring again for the Bears with his second home run of the series and his sixth of the season. Voit's solo shot in the top half of the third inning held until Tyler McNeely belted his 10th home run of the season in the bottom of the fourth frame. The game remained tied, 1-1, until the sixth inning when the Bears scored two runs on three hits and chased ISU's starter Dan Savas. The Redbird freshman was credited with the loss, dropping his record to 3-4 on the season, after allowing six hits and three runs over six innings.
Trailing 3-1, ISU got to within a run after Ryan Court scored when Brock Stewart hit into a bases loaded fielder's choice. With runners still on the corners and two outs, Chad Hinshaw ended the inning with a groundout to third base.
With Justin Hauer on in relief, ISU appeared to be headed for an easy top half of the inning in the seventh, but a dropped third strike by Mike Hollenbeck on the would be final out extended the inning. Hauer walked the next MSU batter in four pitches, before surrendering a two-run double to Kevin Medrano which put the Bears up 5-2.
Missouri State added another run in the eighth, taking advantage of Kenny Long's inning-opening walk and fielding error to push the score to 6-2 without a single base hit. Once again the Redbirds mounted a threat in the bottom of the ninth, but Missouri State closer Dan Kickham needed only one pitch to squelch the rally and post his 10th save of the season.
MSU's Pierce Johnson, who came on in relief of starter Blake Barber, earned his fifth win of the campaign against four defeats. Johnson pitched 4.1 innings, while allowing four hits and two runs.
Illinois State totaled six hits for the game with McNeely posting the only multi-hit effort. He finished with two.
Illinois State and Missouri State will complete the three-game series Sunday at Duffy Bass Field with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m.
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