NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State Redbirds got strong pitching performances by all three of the team's pitchers used in the game; however, they could not overcome a stellar complete game effort from Valparaiso starting pitcher Jon Tieman, falling 2-1 in the MVC series opener on Friday evening at Duffy Bass Field.
John Rave went 2-for-3 for the Redbirds, as Owen Miller went 2-for-4 at the plate. Brady Huffman got a no-deci`sion on the mound, as he went six innings, scattering four hits and allowing a single run while striking out three. Trevor Cross struck out three in 2.1 innings of work, picking up the loss by allowing the team's other run in the game, with Michael Sebby retiring the final two Crusader batters, one by strikeout.
Valparaiso started quickly, as Chase Dawson hit a leadoff double and scored two batters later on a sacrifice fly, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead after one half of an inning.
Over the next seven sets of at-bats, the teams would combine to put just two runners on third base – Illinois State accomplishing the feat in the third inning after two straight singles and a double play.
The Redbirds got the offense started in the bottom of the eighth inning when Tyson Hays hit a two-out single up the middle. A single by Rave a batter later moved Hays to third, where Miller drove him home with a single just over the head of the Valparaiso second baseman, tying the score at one run apiece.
Valparaiso answered back quickly in the top of the ninth, re-acquiring the lead after a double down the right field line.
Illinois State threatened in the bottom of the ninth inning when the team attempted some two-out magic with a walk to Jordan Libman, before Jake McCaw was hit by a pitch to move pinch-runner Joe Butler into scoring position. Second baseman Derek Parola hit a tailing line drive into the gap in left-center field; however, Crusader center fielder Jayden Eggimann made a diving catch to end the game, keeping the 'Birds off of the scoreboard in the ninth inning.
The Redbirds are back in action on Saturday afternoon on "Senior Day" where each of the team's seven seniors will be honored prior to the start of the 2 p.m. game.
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