NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State baseball team defeated Dallas Baptist in a 5-2 decision to clinch the series after a 2:54 lightning/rain delay Saturday at Duffy Bass Field.
Fourth-year junior Derek Salata gave up just one hit and one run in five innings to earn the win for the Redbirds (17-21 overall, 5-6 Missouri Valley Conference) as he was forced to give way to fifth-year senior Colin Wyman following the extensive delay. Wyman recorded his third save.
Fifth-year senior Nick Gile recorded a key two-RBI triple, coming home on a Patriot (25-17 overall, 5-6 MVC) error.
First-year freshman JT Sokolove hit his first career home run while adding another hit and run scored, in addition to a stolen base.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After Salata set down the first nine Patriots, third-year sophomore Greg Nichols got the scoring going with a line shot single to center field that plated Sokolove.
Gile delivered the big blow, lacing a 110 MPH two-RBI triple to left-center field before scoring on an errant DBU throw to give ISU a 4-0 lead.
DBU hit a solo home run on the first pitch of the 4th inning.
At 5:37 p.m. CT, the game was halted due to lightning and was not resumed until 8:31 p.m. CT.
The Patriots had their first two batters reach in the 6th inning, but Wyman induced a key double play en route to getting out of the inning.
Sokolove's 8th-inning home run provided an insurance run for the 'Birds.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
UP NEXT
Illinois State is scheduled to host Dallas Baptist on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT, seeking the series sweep.
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