SPRINGFIELD, Mo.– The Illinois State baseball team rallied for a run in the 9th inning, but Missouri State induced a bases-loaded double play to secure a 3-1 decision in favor of the Bears at Hammons Field on Saturday.
Third-year sophomore Erik Kubiatowicz threw three scoreless innings for Illinois State (18-27 overall, 5-12 Missouri Valley Conference) in relief.
The Bears improve to 24-23 overall and 7-10 in the MVC.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Illinois State recorded just two hits in the game's first eight innings.
Missouri State hit a two-run home run in the 1st inning before adding a run in the 5th inning.
Third-year sophomore Ryan Cermak and fifth-year junior Jake McCaw each laced singles to open the 9th inning prior to fifth-year senior Nick Gile loading the bases with a walk. Fourth-year junior Connor Olson drove Cermak home on a sac fly as first-year freshman JP Gauthier reloaded the bases with a single.
The Redbird pinch-hitter hit into a double play to end the play.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
UP NEXT
Illinois State is scheduled to play at 11:00 a.m. CT on Sunday against Missouri State to conclude the series at Hammons Field.
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