Tempe, Ariz. – The Redbirds finished out the Littlewood Classic with a 6-0 loss to the No. 21 Virginia Tech Hokies. Illinois State closed the tournament with five losses against a wealth of competition.
Paige McLeod pitched 4.1 relief innings while only surrendering one hit to the Hokies, while senior, Madi Bylak had two hits for the Redbirds.
BIRD BITS
Offensive Highlights:
Pitching Breakdown:
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a scoreless top of the first, the Hokies led off the bottom of the inning with a home run, but Meeks was able to work two strikeouts to minimize the damage. The Redbirds earned their first hit in the top of the second on an infield single from Bylak.
The Hokies offense exploded in the bottom of the second, scoring five runs on three hits, two of which were home runs. McLeod came to the mound for the 'Birds to work out of the inning, and was able to keep Virginia Tech quiet for the rest of the game. McLeod went 4.1 innings with only one hit. Yet, the Redbirds were not able to overcome the second-inning power from the Hokies.
ON DECK
Illinois State will travel to its third tournament of the pre-season in Fayetteville Arkansas to take on nationally ranked No. 12 Arkansas, UT Arlington, as well as former Missouri Valley rival Wichita State. The first game is Feb. 22 at 4:00 p.m. CT against the host team.
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