DES MOINES, Iowa – The Illinois State softball team limited the league-leading Drake Bulldogs to just three runs in Saturday's series finale, as the Redbirds fell at Buel Field.
BIRD BITS AT DRAKE (L, 3-0)
Top Performers:
BY THE NUMBERS / KEY INNINGS AT DRAKE (L, 3-0)
- After registering back-to-back hits to start the second inning, Drake launched a three-run shot over the left field wall to hold a 3-0 advantage over ISU.
- Riley Hale registered the first hit of the game for the Redbirds in the top of the fourth but was unable to move into scoring position. The senior's hit off of Drake standout Nicole Newman marked the second of the weekend off of the hurler for Hale.
- Morgan Day checked into the circle in relief of Shannon Felde in the bottom of the fourth, retiring the first three Bulldogs she faced.
- In the top of the fifth, Brittni LaFountaine drew a two-out walk, becoming ISU's second baserunner of the afternoon, but was unable to move any further as the Bulldogs made a play in foul territory to get out of the frame.
- Felde tallied ISU's second hit of the game in the top of the sixth to spoil Newman's one-hitter, but the Bulldogs fought off ISU's threat to keep their three-run lead.
- Day gave up just a single hit to the Bulldogs in the sixth, as Drake took the game 3-0 to sweep the series.
ON DECK
Illinois State will head west for a doubleheader at Bradley on Tuesday, beginning at 3 p.m., before hosting Loyola Chicago for its final home series of the season. The Redbirds will recognize their five seniors – Ali Domkuski, Shannon Felde, Riley Hale, Kori Mesecher and Allison Spence – at the conclusion Sunday's game.
REGGIE'S KIDS CLUB DAY / DOUBLE-FOR-DOUBLE DAY
The Illinois State softball team will host Reggie's Kids Club Day on Saturday, April 27, when the Redbirds host Loyola Chicago at Marian Kneer Stadium. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 12 p.m. Activities will begin at 11 a.m. outside the gates of Marian Kneer Stadium with a pre-game fun zone. Kids club members will get to play yard games, including corn hole and giant Jenga prior to first pitch. One lucky Reggie's Kids Club member will have the opportunity to announce the Redbird softball batters during the game. There will also be an ISU-branded water bottle and Reggie Redbird foam finger giveaway at the gate, while supplies last.
Additionally, Saturday's doubleheader will serve as a Double-for-Double Day, as ISU students will earn double reward points for attending the games. The concession stand will feature a special for all fans – a free soda with a popcorn purchase.
For updates on Illinois State Softball, follow the Redbirds on Twitter (@RedbirdsSB) and Instagram (@redbirdsoftball).
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
