CHICAGO – Illinois State (18-20, 8-6 MVC) tallied a total of six hits on the day, but could only push two runs across, as Loyola (11-22, 5-10 MVC) scored four runs on five hits allowing the Ramblers to take the series finale over the Redbirds, 4-2.
BIRD BITS
Offensive Highlights:
Pitching Breakdown:
- Hannah Ross: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 2 SO
- Amanda Fox: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Loyola jumped out to an early lead over the Redbirds in the top of the second inning. Two walks and a single loaded the bases for the Ramblers, and a groundout allowed the first run to score. An additional three walks allowed the Ramblers to score another pair of runs before the inning was over. After two, Loyola led Illinois State 3-0.
- Reili Gardner produced the first Redbird hit on a bunt single in the top of the third and Kaili Chval followed with a single up the middle, but Illinois State could not capitalize.
- Amanda Fox, who entered in relief of starter Hannah Ross in the second inning, made quick work of the Ramblers in the bottom of the third. Dayna Kennedy and Delainey Bryant combined for the final out of the inning as they caught the runner stealing, erasing the bunt single.
- Illinois State scratched a pair of runs across in the top of the fourth as Jayden Standish drew a leadoff walk and Madi Bylak entered to pinch run. With two outs and Bylak still on first, Kennedy doubled and advanced to third, scoring Bylak. Michele Calabrese then singled up the middle, pushing Kennedy across the plate and bringing the Redbirds within a run of the Ramblers.
- Fox faced the minimum again in the bottom of the fourth as Kennedy and Bryant combined for their second caught stealing of the day to end the inning.
- Emme Olson singled with two outs in the top of the fifth, extending her reached base safely streak to 30 consecutive games.
- Loyola added another run in the bottom of the fifth on a sacrifice fly to right field, putting the Ramblers on top 4-2.
- Abby Knight drew a leadoff walk in the top of the sixth and Bryant singled in the top of the seventh, but neither runner came around to score. Illinois State dropped the final game of the series 4-2 to Loyola.
ON DECK
Illinois State will travel to Bradley (20-18, 8-7 MVC) on Tuesday, April 19 for a doubleheader with the Braves beginning at 3 p.m. CT.
For updates on Illinois State Softball, follow the Redbirds on Twitter (@RedbirdsSB), Instagram (@redbirdsoftball), and Facebook (Illinois State Redbird Softball).
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
