NORMAL, Ill. – Second-year freshman Jordan Lussier fired a seven-inning complete game in game one to lead Illinois State in a 10-1 victory before the team fell, 12-2, in game two on Saturday at Duffy Bass Field.
Lussier gave up just four hits and walked one batter for Illinois State (5-8 overall).
In game one, fourth-year junior Jack Butler was 2-for-3 with a home run, four RBIs, two runs and a walk. Fourth-year sophomore Jake McCaw was 2-for-3 with a double and four RBIs while second-year freshman Ryan Cermak was 2-for-4 with a home run.
Missouri (6-10 overall) got five scoreless innings from Seth Halvorsen in game two, who struck out seven.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Game 1:
Offense was hard to come by in the first three innings, but the Redbirds put up a three-spot in the 4th inning on a two-run bomb by Jack Butler and solo shot by Cermak.
A bases-clearing double by McCaw pushed the ISU lead out to 6-0 after five innings.
A two-RBI single by Jack Butler and RBI singles by fifth-year senior Joe Butler and McCaw broke the game open at 10-0, in favor of the 'Birds.
Missouri scored on a solo shot to LF with two outs in the 7th inning.
Game 2:
Missouri scored 12 innings in the first five innings before the Redbirds scored in a run in the 5th and 6th innings.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Game 1:
- The Redbirds had multiple players with four RBI for the first time since the team had four players with four-or-more RBI at Belmont on 2/15/19 in a 27-11 win.
- The teams combined for just six assists, the lowest combined number since 4/13/13 and the second-such instance of six or fewer combined assists since 2000. Missouri is the second team since 2000 (Morehead State on 4/13/13) to not record an assist against Illinois State.
- Both ISU home runs came in the same inning.
Game 2:
- Cermak recorded two outfield assists.
- Both McCaw and fourth-year junior Tyson Hays recorded two walks.
- Illinois State's four errors were the most since 4/13/19 versus Missouri State.
UP NEXT
Illinois State will host Missouri on Sunday to wrap up the series. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m. CT.
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