NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State is set to face Missouri State this weekend in Normal. The Redbirds will play host to the Bears at Duffy Bass Field in a three-game series. Friday's first pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday's game is slated for 2 p.m., with the series finale on Sunday set for 1 p.m.
Illinois State Redbirds (18-14, 2-1 MVC)
Illinois State enters the weekend matchup as winners of five of its last six games, including a win over Eastern Illinois, a series win to open conference play over Valparaiso, and two wins over Big Ten opponents (Iowa and Illinois). The Redbirds are leading the Valley in batting average (.322), on-base percentage (.421), and slugging percentage (.542).
Missouri State Bears (11-21, 4-2 MVC)
Missouri State enters the weekend on a two-game losing streak. The Bears won their series last weekend, as they defeated Southern Illinois, but fell to Kansas on Tuesday in Lawrence. Missouri State has played one of the strongest schedules in the nation this season. Â The Bears strength of schedule is ranked fifth nationally with, 12 games against Quadrant 1 opponents. In six conference games, Missouri State is slashing .259/.358/.410.
Series History
Missouri State leads Illinois State in the all-time series, holding a 59-42 advantage. The Bears swept the Redbirds in a three-game series last season in Springfield. Missouri State outscored Illinois State 22-8 during that series.
Game Information
Live stats will be available all weekend for the games online at GoRedbirds.com. Fans can listen to the games on 103.3 FM or WZND.com. Friday's game will be broadcast on ESPN+ ($). For updates on Illinois State baseball, follow the Redbirds on Twitter (@RedbirdBaseball) and Instagram (@isuredbirdbaseball).
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App:Â Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
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