TAMPA, Fla. – In the first game of a split doubleheader Friday at the USF-Wilson DeMarini Tournament, Illinois State and UAB were locked in a defensive showdown through the first three innings of the contest. However, a late run by the Blazers propelled them to a 2-1 victory over the Redbirds (0-2) at USF Softball Stadium.
Junior Shannon Felde started the game in the circle for the Redbirds, allowing just three hits through three innings of work and recording a pair of hits and a RBI at the plate in the contest. Freshman Veronique Johnson saw her first action pitching and allowed a run on one hit in one inning of work for ISU, and Sarah Finck (0-2) was saddled with the loss after giving up the go-ahead run in the bottom of the fifth inning.
The Redbirds scored their first run of the young season in the top half of the fifth inning to tie the game at 1-1. Lauren Prader singled to center field to lead off the inning, but was forced out as Abby Turczyn reached on a fielder's choice. Taylor Vanderpool and Kori Mesecher then recorded back-to-back walks to load the bases with just one out for Felde, who ripped a single to center field to score pinch runner Stephanie Thulen from third for the first run of the game and tie the score at 1-1.
UAB pushed a run across the plate on a RBI double by Claire Blount in the bottom half inning to take a 2-0 lead. After being held scoreless in the top half of the sixth, the Redbirds threatened in the top half of the seventh inning. Vanderpool led off the frame with a double to right field, before eventually being forced out on a fielder's choice for the second out of the inning. Walks by Felde and Allison Spence then loaded the bases with two outs for Alyssa Wiebel, who flied out to center field to end the Redbird threat and the game.
ISU plays No. 2 Florida later today in the second game of the split doubleheader.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
