NORMAL, Ill. – Led by Sarah Finck in the circle and runs off Allison Spence and Annie Heineman, Illinois State defeated Murray State, shutting out the Racers, 2-0 on Wednesday afternoon at Marian Kneer Stadium. Battling through a 40-minute lightning delay, the Redbirds advance to the NISC Regional 3 final Thursday at noon.
"Sarah pitched a great ballgame and we put the defensive plays together behind her, then found a way to score two runs," head coach Melinda Fischer said. "We had some strong hits, but right at people. It's good to see our swings coming back and getting into a grove. We managed the delay very well, battling the elements, especially this wind, to get the win."
Finck tossed a three-hit gem with six strikeouts, while the Redbirds tallied seven hits, including a two-hit outing by Riley Hale. The Racers scattered three hits throughout the game, but were unable to come home. The Redbirds improve to 32-21 while the Racers dip to 36-19.
Finck sent her first two batters back to the dugout on swinging strikeouts before Alyssa Wiebel closed out the frame by snagging the line drive for a 1-2-3 inning.
Hale opened up the game with a single through the right side before lightning halted the game for 30 minutes. Jordan de los Reyes and Spence logged back-to-back hits coming out of the delay for a 1-0 lead as Shannon Felde crossed the plate on Spence's ball up the middle.
In the fourth, Heineman doubled the score on a sac-fly to left as Riley Strandgard crossed the plate after singling to reach the bags.
The Redbird threatened in the sixth with back-to-back hits by Wiebel and Heineman, but could not get a run across.
Both pitchers went the distance as Finck earned her 23rd win of the season and the Racers' Haven Campbell took the loss.
The Redbirds will play in the NISC regional final Thursday at noon at Marian Kneer Stadium, taking on the winner of game five versus Michigan State and Murray State.
Fans can purchase all-session passes for $20. Single-session ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for students and youth. Tickets can also be purchased at the gates of Marian Kneer Stadium on game day. To purchase tickets visit GoRedbirds.com/Tickets, call (309) 438-8000, or visit the Illinois State Athletics Ticket Office at the north entrance of Redbird Arena.
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