BOCA RATON, Fla. – After recording a shutout win over the Owls last night, Florida Atlantic (10-13) returned the favor as Illinois State (6-12) fell 2-0 in the Redbirds' final game of the weekend in Boca Raton, Fla.
BIRD BITS
Offensive Highlights:
Pitching Breakdown:
HOW IT HAPPENED
- It was a true pitchers' duel today in Boca Raton as the Redbirds collected four hits to Florida Atlantic's five. The difference was the timing as the Owls were able to string their hits together while Illinois State's were a bit scattered.
- The Redbirds started the first inning with a Reili Gardner single to center field, which extended Gardner's hitting streak to seven games. Emme Olson then drew a walk to put runners on first and second, one out. Abby Knight reached on a fielder's choice with Gardner out at third. Unfortunately, the Redbirds were unable to capitalize and left two runners stranded.
- Addison Masching singled through the right side with one out in the top of the third, but Illinois State came up empty again. Kaili Chval had an infield single in the fourth and Olson scorched a ball off the right field wall, but it was hit so hard, it bounced right to the fielder and held Olson to a single in the sixth inning.
- The Owls strung together a few hits, coupled with an error by the Redbirds, which allowed them to plate two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Illinois State was retired in order in the top of the seventh to end the contest 2-0 in favor of Florida Atlantic.
ON DECK
The Redbirds will participate in their final preseason tournament of 2022 at the Middle Tennessee State Tournament on Mar. 11-13 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The tournament will be a pool play followed by seeded games and consolation and championship games. Illinois State's opponents are UT Martin, Chattanooga, and Middle Tennessee State, with the possibility of seeing Northern Iowa in a seeded challenge.
For updates on Illinois State Softball, follow the Redbirds on Twitter (@RedbirdsSB) and Instagram (@redbirdsoftball).
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