PEORIA, Ill. – Illinois State defeated Bradley Saturday evening at Dozer Park by a final score of 14-1. The margin of victory is tied for the largest win over the Braves in the series history. Illinois State (30-20, 12-5 MVC) looks to sweep the series tomorrow afternoon.
Top Hitters
- John Rave: 3-for-4, HR, 4 RBI, 2 Runs
- Joe Butler: 3-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 3 Runs
- Nick Zouras: 2-for-5, 3 RBI
Pitching Breakdown:
- Matt Walker (Starter, W, 4-7): 5.0 IP, 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 5 BB, 3 K's
- Mitch Vogrin: 2.0 IP, 0 Hits, 0 BB, 3 K's
- Jack Anderson: 1.0 IP, 0 Hits, 0 BB, 2 K's
- Michael Sebby: 1.0 IP, 0 Hits, 1 BB
Quote from Coach Holm on going for the sweep tomorrow
"It's huge. Everyone is watching the standings, and this thing is going to come down to one or two games at the most. It's not so much a sweep, but it's winning game by game."
Scoring Breakdown:
- Rave scored in the top of the first inning on a throwing error by the catcher that put the 'Birds up, 1-0.
- Bradley tied the game in the top of the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly to right field to even the score.
- Illinois State scored seven runs in the top of the fifth inning to take the lead. Rave blasted his second home run in as many days to put the 'Birds up, 4-1. Joe Butler singled through the left side to bring home Derek Parola. Zouras then singled through the left side to bring home Jordan Libman and Joe Aeilts to extend the lead. Finally, Joe Butler would steal home to conclude the scoring in the inning to put the 'Birds on top, 8-1.
- In the top of the seventh inning, Joe Butler hit a two-run home run to left field that scored Aeilts to make the score, 10-1.
- Illinois State added four runs in the top of the ninth inning when Gunner Peterson walked to bring home Libman. Zouras singled to left field to bring home Aeilts. Jack Butler then grounded out to bring home Joe Butler. Rave singled through the left side to bring home Peterson to conclude the scoring of the game.
Up Next:
The Redbirds return to action tomorrow against the Braves in the series finale with the first pitch scheduled 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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