CARBONDALE, Ill. – The Illinois State Redbirds survived a late push from the Salukis in the final two innings of play to defeat Southern Illinois, 7-6. The victory gives Illinois State the series win over Southern Illinois for the first time since 2014, as the 'Birds improve to 24-15, 7-1 in MVC play.
Top Hitters
- Joe Aeilts: 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI, 2 Runs
- Joe Butler: 2-for-4, HR, 1 RBI, 2 Runs
- Jack Butler: 1-for-4, 2B, 2 RBIs
- Nick Zouras: 1-for-3, 2B, RBI
Pitching Breakdown:
- Jeff Lindgren (W, 4-2, Starter): 7.0 IP, 4 Hits, 4 Runs, 3 ER, 0 BB, 9 K's
- Mitch Vogrin: 1.0 IP, 1 Hit, 1 Run, 1 ER, 1 K
- Jacob Gilmore (Save, 9): 1.0 IP, 1 Hit, 1 Run, 1 ER, 1 BB
Quote from Coach Holm on the team's answer after falling behind
"I am really proud of how we swung the bats in the fifth inning. Early in the season our club had a hard time responding when the other team put up a crooked number like SIU did in the fourth. We have grown up, and have been able to not let their momentum affect us as much."
Scoring Breakdown:
- Jack Butler grounded out in the top of the second inning to score Gunner Peterson, as ISU led 1-0 after the top half of the inning. Southern Illinois responded with a sacrifice fly to left in the home half of the inning to even the game at one run apiece.
- In the fourth inning, Zouras hit a sacrifice fly to right field that scored Aeilts. Jack Butler would then double to left-center field to score Joe Butler to give ISU the 3-1 advantage. The Salukis countered with four runs in the home half of the inning, as the team hit for the cycle to take the lead, 4-3 over the Redbirds.
- Aeilts blasted a three-run home run to give the ISU the advantage back in the top of the fifth inning. The next batter, Joe Butler also homered to give ISU the 7-4 lead over SIU.
- The Salukis scored one run in the bottom of the eighth on a groundout to trim the 'Birds lead to 7-5.
- Lyon homered in the bottom of the ninth inning to lead it off, as the score went to 7-6. After a walk and a hit batter, Gilmore recorded a groundout to end the game with the tying and go-ahead run on base.
Up Next:
The Redbirds return to action tomorrow against the Salukis for the series finale with the first pitch set for 1 p.m. For updates on Illinois State Baseball, follow the Redbirds on Twitter (@RedbirdBaseball) and Instagram (@isuredbirdbaseball).
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
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