MARTIN, Tenn. – Illinois State baseball's third-year freshman Trey Krause completed his 25-month return from Ewing's Sarcoma in the Redbirds' 6-1 victory at UT-Martin (4-7) on Tuesday at Skyhawk Baseball Field.
After being diagnosed in February 2020, Krause was deemed cancer-free in December 2020 before throwing his first bullpen back in September 2021. Krause struck out the first batter he faced in his one-inning start.
Illinois State (6-4) got eight innings of scoreless relief, headlined by five innings from third-year sophomore Cameron Mabee. Fourth-year junior Kolton Scherbenske and third-year sophomores Keegan Gagliardo and Erik Kubiatowicz each posted a scoreless inning in relief.
The 'Birds were led by fifth-year junior Jake McCaw, who recorded a trio of hits and two RBIs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
An RBI from sixth-year senior Aidan Huggins tied the game at 1-1 after three innings.
In the 5th inning, third-year sophomore Ryan Cermak recorded an RBI before a two-out, two-RBI double from McCaw.
The 'Birds tacked on two more in the top of the 9th as third-year sophomore Adrian Flores laced a ball to third base, resulting in two runs coming home.
QUOTES
Fourth-year head coach Steve Holm:
On Krause: "I think it was pretty emotional for everybody. We were the ones that had to tell him two years ago. To see him be able to go out there and do his thing was pretty special. His parents were here - it was a great night for everyone.'
On the game: "I thought we played well. Obviously, the pitching and defense has been there for us pretty much all year. Cam Mabee came in in the second and gave us five big innings. We didn't to use Jared Hart today - he's been a go-to. I think Cam really stepped up, grabbing the middle innings for us and guys made plays behind him."
Third-year freshman Trey Krause: "It was a great feeling. I've been waiting for this moment for a couple years now. It definitely feels good to finish the deal with a lot of things and just back to what I like best, which is baseball."
UP NEXT
Illinois State is scheduled to play March 11-13 at Murray State.
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