PEORIA, Ill. – The Illinois State softball team served as the home team in game one of Tuesday's doubleheader at Bradley, as the contest served as the make-up game from a prescheduled twin bill at Marian Kneer Stadium on April 10.
The Redbirds ended a seven-game losing skid with an 8-1 decision in game one, before falling 9-1 in the second game.
BIRD BITS AT BRADLEY (W, 8-1) – GAME 1
Top Performers:
- Ellie Weltha: 2-for-3, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2B, HR
- Emme Olson: 2-for-3, R, RBI, 2 2B, BB
- Allison Spence: 2-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B
Pitching Breakdown:
BY THE NUMBERS / KEY INNINGS AT BRADLEY (W, 8-1) – GAME 1
- Three-straight one-out doubles by Emme Olson, Allison Spence and Ellie Weltha pushed ISU out to an early 3-0 lead in the home half of the first, bringing a new pitcher to the circle for Bradley. Brittni LaFountaine's two-out single pushed another run across, before a fly out to left field closed the opening frame.
- A single by Spence brought Riley Hale home, before a two-run shot over the left field wall by Weltha extended ISU's lead to seven after two innings of play.
- Bradley launched a solo home run over the center field wall in the top of the fourth to trim ISU's lead to six runs.
- Hale's second hit of the game – a single to center field – brought Taylor Vanderpool across home plate for a seven-run advantage heading into the seventh, as Morgan Day and the Redbird defense held off the Braves for an 8-1 win to break a seven-game losing skid.
BIRD BITS AT BRADLEY (L, 9-1 in 5 inn.) – GAME 2
Top Performers:
BY THE NUMBERS / KEY INNINGS AT BRADLEY (L, 9-1 in 5 inn.) – GAME 2
- Bradley scratched a pair of runs on the board, before ISU turned its 16th double play of the season to close the door on the opening frame.
- Emme Olson registered an RBI triple in the top of the third to cut Bradley's deficit in half, but the Braves responded by tacking five runs on the board to hold a six-run advantage going into the fourth.
- A one-out triple in the bottom of the fifth helped the Braves push two runs across to seal a 9-1 run-rule victory.
ON DECK
Illinois State will host 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).
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