NORMAL, Ill. – Sophomore Delainey Bryant launched her fifth home run of the season to leadoff the bottom half of the first to help Illinois State (15-15, 5-1 MVC) capture its sixth straight victory in a 2-0 decision over the UIC Flames (0-29, 0-7) on Saturday afternoon.
BIRDS BITS
Offensive Highlights:
Pitching Breakdown:
HOW IT HAPPENED
Starting pitcher senior Hannah Ross gave up a leadoff single in the top of the first, but the Redbirds' defense quickly turned a double play and forced a ground out back to Ross in the circle to end the inning.
Sophomore Delainey Bryant continued to show her power as she blasted her fifth home run of the season over the wall in center field to lead off the bottom half of the first for Illinois State. Fifth-year senior Emme Olson dropped a one-out single down the right field line and sophomore Abby Knight followed with a single to left center. With Olson and Knight on first and second, the duo executed a delayed double steal to put two runners in scoring position for sophomore Addison Masching. Masching delivered a single up the middle that scored Olson and gave the Redbirds a 2-0 lead after the first inning.
Neither team was able to string together any offense until UIC came charging back in the top of the seventh. A single through the right side and a walk from Ross put the tying run on base with no outs in the inning. Senior Amanda Fox entered in relief of Ross and gave up a single up the middle that loaded the bases. A stellar double play turned by the Illinois State defense got the force out at home and the batter out at first. With two runners in scoring position and two outs, Fox was able to get the Flames' batter to fly out to right field to complete the 2-0 shutout of UIC.
NOTES
- Illinois State has now won six straight games which dates back to the 4-2 win at Belmont in the MVC opening weekend for the Redbirds on Saturday, Mar. 18.
- The Redbirds improve to 15-15 which is the first time Illinois State has been at .500 all season. The Redbirds are now 5-1 in conference which ties them for second in the Valley.
- Bryant's leadoff home run was her fifth this season and she currently leads the Redbirds in the category.
- Fox earned a save in her appearance against the Flames. It is her second save of the season and the fourth of her career. She is now in sole possession of fourth all-time on the career saves list.
- Olson was 2-for-2 today with a pair of singles and a walk. She currently has 193 career hits and is seven hits away from her 200th career hit. If she achieves this milestone, she will only be the 7th Redbird since 1978 to accumulate 200+ hits in her career. Olson is also three doubles shy of breaking the program record for career doubles.
ON DECK
Illinois State (15-15, 5-1 MVC) returns to Marian Kneer Stadium to host UIC (0-29, 0-7) for a doubleheader on Sunday, April 2 beginning at 1 p.m. CT.
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