Feb. 18, 2012
Game 1 Box Score
| Game 2 Box Score
Postgame Interview with Mark Kingston
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -
Illinois State's pitching staff limited Austin Peay to six runs over 13 innings, but ISU's offense only mustered two runs in a doubleheader sweep by the Governors Saturday at Raymond C. Hand Park. The Redbirds lost game one, 2-0, and game two, 3-2. ISU drops to 0-3 overall, while Austin Peay improves to 3-0.
"We pitched well, but we need to get more timely hits," Illinois State head coach Mark Kingston said. "We left too many guys on base, and that was the difference today. If we would have gotten one more clutch hit in each game, then we could have won both games. These are two evenly matched teams, but they're just making the big play and getting the big hit more than we are right now."
The Redbirds left 13 runners on base during the doubleheader, which consisted of two, seven-inning games. ISU's only offense came on a two-run home run by Matt Mirabal during the first inning of game two. ISU junior right-hander Brad Sorkin suffered the loss in game one, despite allowing just two runs and striking out three in a six-inning outing. Meanwhile, freshman left-hander Dylan Craig allowed two runs and struck out four in his first-ever college start.
In game one, Austin Peay scored in the first inning with a groundout by Reed Harper that scored Michael Blanchard from third base. Then in the third inning, Blanchard led off with a triple and scored on a groundout by Jon Clinard. Governor left-hander Zach Toney (1-0) earned the victory.
In game two, Illinois State took the early lead. Zac Johnson singled to right field, and Mirabal homered to left in the first inning. But in the second inning, Austin Peay pulled within one run thanks to a Greg Bachman solo home run, his second of the opening weekend. The Governors tied the game in the third inning with a single by Harper that scored Blanchard from second base.
Redbird freshman right-handed reliever Jeremy Rhoades made his first collegiate appearance in the fifth inning. He allowed just one hit, struck out one and pitched ISU out of a bases-loaded jam. With the game still tied in the seventh inning, Austin Peay with a walk-off solo home run by Harper. Lucas Anderson earned the APSU victory.
Illinois State is scheduled to play its fourth and final game of the season-opening series against the Governors Sunday at noon.
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