VALPARAISO, Ind. – Illinois State defeated Valparaiso on Friday afternoon by a final score of 13-1. The Redbirds scored a run in all but three innings, and scored multiple runs in three innings including a six-run ninth inning. The win improves the 'Birds record to 16-13, 1-0 in MVC play.
Top Hitters
- John Rave: 3-for-6, HR, 3 RBI, 2 Runs
- Joe Aeilts: 2-for-6, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 4 Runs
- Joe Butler: 3-for-5, 2 2B, 1 RBI, 3 Runs
- Jack Butler: 3-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 Runs
Pitching Breakdown:
- Brent Headrick (W, 2-3, Starter,): 7.0 IP, 7 Hits, 1 Runs, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K's
- Jack Anderson: 1.0 IP, 1 K
- Rhett Rapshus: 1.0 IP, 1 Hit
Quote from Coach Holm on the team's performance
"It's great to see us playing well on both sides of the ball again. Rave set the tone on the first pitch of the game by going up top. It seemed as if everyone fed off of him on the offensive side. Headrick did the same on the mound. He was in total control for seven innings. After having two mid-week games that was the kind of performance we needed."
Scoring Breakdown:
- Rave homered to right field on the very first pitch of the game to put ISU up 1-0 on Valparaiso.
- The Crusaders responded in the home half of the second inning on a single up the middle to tie the game at 1-1.
- Aeilts homered to right-center field in the top of the fourth inning to put the 'Birds back on top 2-1. Jack Butler reached on a throwing error later in the inning that scored Joe Butler. ISU led Valpo 3-1 after four innings.
- The Redbirds score one run in the fifth and sixth innings of the game. In the fifth, Joe Butler doubled to left-center field to score Aeilts. In the sixth, Rave singled up the center of the diamond to score Jack Butler. Illinois State led Valparaiso 5-1.
- Zouras reached on a fielder's choice in the seventh to score Aeilts. Later in the inning Jack Butler grounded out to first base, but scored Joe Butler on the play. The Redbirds led the Crusaders 7-1.
- Illinois State exploded for six runs in the top of the ninth inning. Zouras drew a walk with the bases loaded that scored Aeilts. Jack Butler singled to left to bring home Joe Buter. Rave brought home another run with a single through the right side that scored Peterson. Gaines followed suit only with a single through the left side to score Zouras. Finally, Aeilts doubled to left field to score Jack Butler and Rave on the play. ISU led Valpo 13-1.
- Rapshus recorded the final three outs for the 'Birds in the ninth, as Illinois State defeated Valparaiso 13-1.
Up Next:
Illinois State is back in action tomorrow for game two of the series at Valparaiso. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 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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