TAMPA, Fla. – Illinois State (0-3) played two close games against No. 16/13 Michigan (2-0) and No. 6/5 Florida (1-0) that ultimately both resulted in losses for the Redbirds. The 'Birds were able to scratch one across against the Wolverines and were knocking on the door with bases loaded against the Gators.
GAME 1 (No. 16/13 Michigan)
BIRD BITS
Top Offensive Players:
Pitching Breakdown
BY THE NUMBER / KEY INNINGS
- Reili Gardner bunted her way on in the top of the third inning to record Illinois State's first hit of the day and Gardner's first of the season.
- The top of the fifth was busy on the bases as Bella Wilkerson registered her first collegiate hit in the form of a single. Addison Masching found herself on first after drawing a walk which brought Gardner back up to the plate. Gardner had her second hit of the day, driving in Michele Calabrese who pinch ran for Wilkerson, and the Redbirds lone run.
- The lineup was highlighted by three freshmen earning their first collegiate starts. Masching started at third base and hit seventh, Wilkerson was behind the plate and hit sixth, and Abby Knight got the start at first base while hitting second.
GAME 2 (No. 6/5 Florida)
BIRD BITS
Top Offensive Players:
Pitching Breakdown
BY THE NUMBER / KEY INNINGS
- Playing second and hitting second, preseason all-conference selection Emme Olson dropped a single into left field in the bottom of the first to get the Redbirds rolling.
- Long at-bats seemed to be the theme of the night with the Redbirds, but Olson was able to battle through her in the bottom of the third, eventually singling to right field.
- The bottom of the fourth was the closest the Redbirds got to plating a few runs when they loaded the bases. It started with a hard-fought battle by Brandi LaFountaine that resulted in a walk. Madi Bylak came in to pinch run and Chloe Jefferson moved her over to second. Dayna Kennedy then registered her first hit of the season to give the Redbirds runners at the corners. Hanna Hicks got a hit by a pitch to load the bases with only one out, but the Gators were able to stop the Redbird rally.
- Hannah Ross pitched a single-game career-high of 5.2 innings and tied a season-high three strikeouts while starting in the circle.
- The lineup saw another first when Hicks (H) got her first collegiate start at first base.
ON DECK
Illinois State will finish its opening weekend of the 2022 season tomorrow (Feb. 12) against the Kansas City Roos at 5 p.m. CT.
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