BOCA RATON, Fla. – Illinois State and Florida Atlantic were tied at one up until the very last play of the game, when the Owls earned the walk-off, 2-1 win in the bottom of the seventh inning on Tuesday night in Boca Raton, Florida.
The pitchers' duel between Sarah Finck and Tatum Buckley held both teams to one run apiece until the final inning. The Redbirds' four hits were split across four different batters in the non-conference rematch, dropping ISU's record to 10-12 with FAU improving to 17-10.
Florida Atlantic struck first, putting one run up in the bottom of the third, but it would not be long before Illinois State would even it up.
In the fifth, Allison Spence put the Redbirds' first hit on the board with single to left-center. Riley Phipps and Annie Heineman each put down a bunt to advance the runner, Taylor Vanderpool to third. Caitlyn Daly sent a single down the left line, allowing the tying run to cross the plate.
The Owls responded with a single in the bottom of the inning but could not convert, keeping the score tied at one run apiece.
Riley Hale logged another Redbird leadoff single in the sixth, but a pair of runners picked off at second sends the frame. Illinois State continued in the seventh as Riley Phipps sent a single to left. However, the Redbirds could not convert, as the score remained tied at one.
The Owls earned the win on a sac-fly and a Redbird miscue in the bottom of the seventh, allowing the winning run to cross the plate for the walk-off.
In her 10th complete game of the season, Sarah Finck took the loss in the circle.
Illinois State returns to action on Friday at Indiana State to begin Missouri Valley Conference play. The Redbirds and Sycamores will play one game Friday at 3 p.m. followed by a Saturday doubleheader at 11 a.m.Â
For updates on Illinois State Softball, follow the Redbirds on Twitter and Instagram.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
