Redbirds Fall to Bobcats in Game One of Spring Fling

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – After an early rally from Ohio (2-4) in the top of the first inning, Illinois State (1-9) was unable to bounce back against the Bobcats and dropped the first game of the Hilltopper Spring Fling in Bowling Green, Ky.  

BIRD BITS

Offensive Highlights:

• Dayna Kennedy: 1-for-2, HR, 2 RBI, R, SO
• Abby Knight: 1-for-2, R
• Delainey Bryant: 1-for-2, RBI
• Emme Olson: 1-for-3

Pitching Breakdown:

• Amanda Fox: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 5 BB, 2 SO, HBP
• Emma Hicks: 1.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO
• Allison Tillema: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, BB, 2 SO
• Annie Volkers: 0.2 IP

HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the top of the first inning, the Bobcats scored 11 runs on six hits, including two doubles and a grand slam, and drew six walks. After the grand slam, starting pitcher, Amanda Fox, was replaced by freshman Emma Hicks, who was tasked of getting the final out in the first. 
• Ohio added to its lead by pushing another run across in the top of the second inning. 
• The Redbirds recorded their first hit and runs of the day on a two-run home run by Dayna Kennedy, her second of the season, in the bottom half of the inning, bringing the score to 12-2. This is Illinois State's third consecutive game hitting a home run. 
• Ohio was able to answer in the top of the third, adding on three more runs, forcing another Illinois State pitching change. Sophomore Allison Tillema entered the circle for the first time in her career and picked up two strikeouts in her two innings pitched.
• In the bottom of the fourth, a trio of singles by Emme Olson, Abby Knight and Delainey Bryant pushed another run across and seemed to help the 'Birds find a little momentum. Rebecca Moffett added to the rally by plating another run on a fielder's choice.  
• In the top of the fifth, yet another run scored for the Bobcats and freshman Annie Volkers relieved Tillema in the circle to get the final two outs of the inning on a double play. 
• Unable to stage a comeback in the bottom of the fifth, the Redbirds were defeated by the Bobcats 16-4 in five innings. 

ON DECK

The Redbirds are back in action tomorrow (Feb. 26) against the Dayton Flyers (1-4) at 10 a.m. CT and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-1) at 3 p.m. CT. 

For updates on Illinois State Softball, follow the Redbirds on Twitter (@RedbirdsSB) and Instagram (@redbirdsoftball).

GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.