NORMAL, Ill. – Following Illinois State softball's home debut, the Redbirds are back in action at Marian Kneer Stadium to host the Drake Bulldogs (8-18, 2-4 MVC) on Tuesday, April 5 for a doubleheader beginning at noon CT, followed by a single game against their fourth and final Big Ten opponent, Illinois (17-13, 3-2 Big Ten), on Wednesday, April 6 at 5 p.m. CT.
The Bulldogs were supposed to travel to Normal for a three-game set on Mar. 26-27, but the series got postponed due to weather. The matchup was rescheduled as a doubleheader for Tuesday, April 5 at Marian Kneer Stadium.
Illinois State will play its fourth Big Ten team of the season, Illinois, after taking on Michigan, Minnesota and Purdue in preseason tournaments. The Redbirds lost two close games to Michigan (1-4) and Minnesota (5-7, 8 inn.) while both teams were receiving votes in national top 25 polls, but pulled out a 6-1 win over Purdue. Illinois will travel to Normal for the nonconference game on Wednesday, April 6.
GAME INFORMATION (Drake)
Illinois State (12-16, 3-3 MVC) vs. Drake (8-18, 2-4 MVC)
Dates/Times:
Tuesday, April 5 – 12:00 p.m. CT (DH – game 1)
Tuesday, April 5 – 2:30 p.m. CT (DH – game 2)
City: Normal, Ill.
Field: Marian Kneer Stadium
SERIES HISTORY
The last meeting between the Redbirds and the Bulldogs was their 100th matchup, occurring on April 3, 2021, when Illinois State secured the series win in a 9-3 victory in Des Moines, Iowa. The Redbirds currently hold the advantage in the all-time series record, 65-35, over the Bulldogs. ISU took the series 2-1 in 2021, outscoring Drake 15-7 in three games (Apr. 2-3). Prior to the Redbirds' two wins over Drake last season, Illinois State had not won a game against the Bulldogs since Apr. 15, 2017. Drake had won 7 consecutive matchups against the Redbirds from 4/21/18 to 4/2/21.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
In 2021, Drake posted an overall record of 19-30, going 12-14 in conference play. The Bulldogs opened the MVC tournament with a win over Loyola, but lost to Southern Illinois to end their 2021 campaign. Heading into this week, Drake is 8-18 and 2-4 in the MVC. Drake opened conference play at Evansville on March 19-20 earning a dominate win in the opening game, but losing the series. The Bulldogs also lost their second MVC series of the season to Southern Illinois, taking the second game, but dropping the first and third matchups. Drake played multiple tough opponents to start 2022 including LSU, Kentucky, Michigan, and Texas.
GAME INFORMATION (Illinois)
Illinois State (12-16, 3-3 MVC) vs. Illinois (17-13, 3-2 Big Ten)
Dates/Times:
Wednesday, April 6 – 5:00 p.m. CT
City: Normal, Ill.
Field: Marian Kneer Stadium
TV: ESPN+
Radio: WZND
SERIES HISTORY
Illinois currently holds the advantage in the all-time series record against Illinois State, leading the Redbirds 15-8. The last time these two programs met was on Apr. 3, 2019, in Champaign where the Fighting Illini defeated the Redbirds 2-1. Illinois has won the last six matchups dating back to April 1, 2014. The last victory Illinois State has over Illinois was on April 4, 2012, when the Redbirds went into Champaign and won 1-0.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
In 2021, Illinois solely played Big Ten opponents, posting a 24-20 record. The Fighting Illini ended seventh in the conference, but pulled out two wins over Michigan who won the Big Ten last season. In 2022, Illinois has a 17-13 overall record with a 3-2 conference record. One of Illinois' loses in conference play is to Purdue, who the Redbirds beat back on Mar. 5 in Boca Raton, Fla. The Fighting Illini boast an impressive 8-6 win over No. 10 Arkansas early in the season, and played other tough opponents such as LSU, Clemson, Missouri, and Georgia.
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