Lawrence Tallies Five Hits, Six RBI in Illinois State's 20-Run Outburst at Valparaiso

VALPARAISO, Ind. – Freshman Luke Lawrence recorded five hits, six RBIs, and four runs scored as the Illinois State baseball team exploded for 20 runs in its 20-10 win at Valparaiso on Friday at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Lawrence's standout performance, which included a homer, double, and stolen base, was just the tip of the iceberg as the Redbirds' first six batters combined for 17 hits and 17 RBIs as ISU scored 13 runs in the final two innings. The first four batters in the Redbird order also homered and had at least three RBIs and a pair of runs scored.

Second-year sophomore Noah Rabin was just a triple away from the cycle as he smacked a home run, two doubles, and a single to go with three RBIs and three runs scored.

Third-year junior Auggie Rasmussen hit a grand slam and freshman Daniel Pacella also homered for Illinois State (19-30 overall, 8-18 Missouri Valley Conference).

Valparaiso moves to 20-24 overall, 10-16 MVC and have qualified for the MVC Tournament while Illinois State has missed postseason play.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Rabin started the scoring in the opening frame with a two-run homer, but Valparaiso responded with a trio of runs in the bottom of the innings

Rabin added an RBI double in the 3rd inning to tie the game before scoring on a Beacon throwing error.

Valparaiso scored three times in the bottom of the 3^rd inning to lead 6-4 before adding another run in the 4^th inning.

Lawrence's home run to right-center cut the deficit to two but the Beacons pushed their lead to 8-5 through five innings.

Lawrence added a bases-loaded, ground-rule double to pull ISU within 8-7 before the Redbirds exploded for seven runs in the 7^th inning.

Third-year junior Luke Cheng, freshman Shai Robinson, and Lawrence each singled home a run prior to Rasmussen delivering the big blow, a grand slam inside the right field foul pole.

Valparaiso replied with a pair of runs but Illinois State got six more in the 8^th inning as second-year sophomore JT Sokolove doubled home a run, Lawrence singled home two more, and Pacella blasted a three-run home run. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Lawrence hit leadoff for the second time in his career, becoming the first Redbird freshman since at least 2000 with five hits in a game, six RBIs in a game, and the third Redbird freshman since at least 2000 with four runs scored in a game (Chad Hinshaw in 2010, Pacella on 4/21 at Bradley)
• Lawrence is just the second Redbird since at least 2000 with five hits and six RBIs in a game (Kevin Tokarski had five hits, six RBIs, a homer, three doubles, two steals and a walk in a 29-8 win over James Madison on 3/14/2010)

• Rasmussen recorded his 10^th homer of the season while Pacella hit his 15th.

• Sixth-year senior Kolton Scherbenske threw a scoreless 8^th inning to secure the run-rule victory.

UP NEXT

Illinois State is scheduled to play Valparaiso on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. CT to conclude its season. The Redbirds are unable to qualify the MVC Tournament.

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