SCHEDULE NOTE: The first game of the series between Illinois State and Dallas Baptist has been adjusted to a 2 p.m. first pitch at Duffy Bass Field.
NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois State Redbirds play host to the Dallas Baptist Patriots in a three-game series over the weekend, Illinois State's second MVC series of the season, and the MVC opener for the Patriots.
Game 1 | Friday, April 6Â | 2Â p.m.
Live Video: ESPN3
Live Audio: WZND
Live Stats: Illinois State StatBroadcast
Illinois State Starting Pitcher: Brent Headrick, 1-3, 7.27 ERA
Dallas Baptist Starting Pitcher: MD Johnson, 4-1, 5.45 ERA
Game 2 | Saturday, April 7Â | 2Â p.m.
Live Video: ESPN3
Live Audio: WZND
Live Stats: Illinois State StatBroadcast
Illinois State Starting Pitcher: Brady Huffman, 1-3, 2.90 ERA
Dallas Baptist Starting Pitcher: Kody Funderburk, 1-2, 4.72 ERA
Game 3 | Sunday, April 8Â | 1Â p.m.
Live Video: ESPN3
Live Audio: WZND
Live Stats: Illinois State StatBroadcast
Illinois State Starting Pitcher: TBA
Dallas Baptist Starting Pitcher: TBA
PROMOTIONS FOR THE WEEKEND
On Saturday, the first 100 kids, ages 12 and under, will received an official Redbird autograph baseball and pizza (while supplies last), sponsored by Papa John's. Fans can stick around after the game for an opportunity to get your ball signed by the team. After the game, fans are invited to play catch in the outfield, and get autographs from the players.
Entry into Duffy Bass Stadium for Redbird baseball games is free all season long. For this special game, fans are encouraged to wear baseball jerseys and there will be special concessions including homemade chili. Additionally, the first 50 fans through the gate will receive a team autographed poster.
SCOUTING THE PATRIOTS
Dallas Baptist comes into the game with a 17-9 record, and is ranked 25th in the latest Baseball America National Poll.Â
Devlin Granberg, recently named the MVC Player of the Week for the second consecutive week, leads the Patriots in batting average (.414), RBI's (38), slugging percentage (.737), and stolen bases (10). Jameson Hannah is batting .398 with a team-high 35 runs scored and 12 doubles. Tim Millard has clubbed a team-best nine home runs, while driving in 30 and scoring 25 times.
The pitching staff is led by the primary starting duo of Kody Funderburk and MD Johnson. Funderburk is 1-2 with a 4.72 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 26.2 innings of work, while Johnson is 4-1 with a 5.45 ERA and a team-high 44 strikeouts in 38 innings.Â
SCOUTING THE REDBIRDS
Illinois State is 10-13 this season, and 1-2 in MVC play, including winning its most recent game in walk-off fashion against the Southern Illinois Salukis.
John Rave paces the team with a .381 batting average, as he also leads the team in home runs (5), RBI's (26), slugging percentage (.660), and on-base percentage (.425). Shortstop Owen Miller has a .346 batting average, and he leads the team with 26 runs scored and is tied for the team lead with four stolen bases. Collin Braithwaite is batting .319 and he has clubbed a team-best 11 doubles, and is second on the team with 23 RBI's. In all, nine Redbird batters have scored at least 10 runs on the season, and nine have at least 10 RBI's.
Leading the way for the pitching staff is Brady Huffman, who is 1-3 and leads the team with a 2.90 ERA, 40.1 innings worked, and 39 strikeouts. Opponents are batting just .212 against the Redbird sophomore. The Friday starter, Brent Headrick, is 1-3 with a 7.27 ERA, and has struck out 27 batters over 34.2 innings of work. The bullpen has been led by three pitchers who have double-digit innings pitched, and Trevor Cross leads the group with 24 strikeouts in 16.2 innings, while holding opponents to a .212 batting average.
