CARBONDALE, Ill. – The Illinois State Redbirds defeated the Southern Illinois Salukis, 7-4 on Friday evening in the series opener. The Redbirds scored their seven total runs in the middle innings, including a three-run seventh to secure the victory. The win improves Illinois State's record to 23-15, 6-1 MVC.
Top Hitters
Pitching Breakdown:
- Brent Headrick (W, 4-3, Starter): 7.0 IP, 2 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 ER, 1 BB, 8 K's
- Colton Johnson: 1.0 IP, 3 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 1 BB
- Jacob Gilmore (Save, 8): 1.0 IP, 1 Hit, 3 K's
Quote from Coach Holm on what clicked for the 'Birds in the middle innings
"Our team was swinging the bat well. Once we gave up the three spot, Zouras came up huge and hit one off the hitter's eye in dead center. He instantly took the momentum, and put it back on our side. It was the biggest swing of the game."
Scoring Breakdown:
- Jack Butler homered in the top of the fourth inning to put ISU on the board first, 1-0.
- In the fifth inning, Aeilts doubled to right-center field to bring home John Rave and Derek Parola. The Redbirds would increase their lead to 3-0. The Salukis struck back in the home half of the inning to score three runs and tie the game after five complete innings.
- Zouras crushed a solo home run to put Illinois State back in the lead, 4-3 in the top of the sixth inning.
- Joe Butler singled to right field in the top of the seventh inning to score Parola and Jordan Libman. Peterson would drive home Butler on a single to center to bring home three runs in the inning. The Redbirds led 7-3.
- In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Salukis would score a run on a single to right field to trim the Redbirds lead to 7-4.
- Gilmore would strike out three batters in the bottom of the ninth inning to record his eighth save of the season. Illinois State defeated Southern Illinois in the first game of the series.
Up Next:
The Redbirds return to action tomorrow against the Salukis for game two of the series with the first pitch slated for 2 p.m. For updates on Illinois State Baseball, follow the Redbirds on Twitter (@RedbirdBaseball) and Instagram (@isuredbirdbaseball).