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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A strong start and an early lead wasn't enough for the Illinois State baseball team as the host Memphis Tigers battled back late to earn a 5-4 win over the Redbirds Friday at FedEx Park.
Illinois State (2-2) scored three runs in the top of the first inning, but that lead evaporated in the bottom of the sixth, when Memphis (2-2) capitalized on four walks and a Redbird error to take the lead for good.
"Four walks total in that sixth inning was the difference in that game, combined with one fielding error. To give up a 4-2 lead like we did in one inning was tough," said Illinois State head coach Bo Durkac. "But that's the way it goes early in the season. We're still trying to figure out which of our guys can do what coming out of the bullpen in the middle innings, and we'll get better from it."
Illinois State got off to quick start as Noah Sadler hit a two-run home run in the top of the first inning. John Rave later provided a two-out RBI double to stake the Redbirds to a 3-0 lead.
Memphis got two of those runs back in the bottom of the third. Nick Vaage led off the inning with a solo home run and Chris Carrier later provided a sacrifice fly.
The Redbirds added to their lead in the fifth when Owen Miller tripled with two outs and sprinted home on a wild pitch moments later.
Memphis took the lead in the bottom of the sixth. An error and a sac fly produced the first run of the inning, after Alec Trela led off the inning with a double. The next four Tigers then worked free passes to plate the tying and go-ahead runs.
The Redbirds' best chance to answer came in the eighth inning, when Nick Zouras and Rave reached base to start the inning, but a double-play ball helped get the Tigers out of the inning unscathed.
Rave (2-for-4) was the only Redbird to record multiple hits. Zouras reached base four times on a single and three walks.
Redbird starter Jack Landwehr started the game strong, striking out the side in the first inning, and allowed just two runs over five strong innings. Landwehr walked two and struck out four.
Brady Huffman got two outs in the sixth, but was tagged for two unearned runs. Colton Johnson walked all three batters he faced and was tagged with the loss. Trevor Cross finished out the game for the Redbirds with 2.1 scoreless innings of relief.
The Redbirds return to FedEx Park for the second game of their three-game series with Memphis Saturday at 2 p.m. Links for live video, audio and stats can be found at GoRedbirds.com, and fans can follow @RedbirdBaseball on Twitter for live updates and more.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
