Redbirds Take Series Opener versus Golden Lions

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Illinois State topped Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 8-2, Friday afternoon from the Torii Hunter Baseball Complex.

The Redbirds (3-5 overall) offense scored five runs over the first four innings to give them an early lead in the victory.

The Golden Lions drop to 6-3 overall in 2024, as they see a four-game win streak snapped. UAPB entered the contest as the nation's leader in scoring across NCAA Division I programs.

Scoring Breakdown:

• The Golden Lions would get on the board first in the second inning with an RBI single.
• ILS would tie the score in the top of the third off an RBI from Luke Lawrence before tallying two more runs off a squeeze bunt from Shaydon Kubo and fielder's choice off the bat of Shai Robinson.
• JT Sokolove padded the ILS lead in the fourth frame with an RBI of his own before a balk was called on UAPB's pitcher, scoring Daniel Contreras, to make it 5-1.
• Kubo would push across another Redbird run in the 6th off an error by the Golden Lions' third baseman to grow the lead to five, 6-1
• A sacrifice fly from Greg Nichols in the 8th would make it a six-run lead for the 'Birds, 7-1
• The Golden Lions added their second run of the game in the bottom of the 8th off a bases loaded sacrifice fly.
• Illinois State would add some more insurance in the 9th with a Noah Rabin sac fly to make it 8-2

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE 

• Sokolove stole two bases Friday, improving to a perfect 7-7 in 2024
• ISU had six hits, including three extra-base hits, on Friday. 
• Mabee picked up his second decision of the season, moving to 2-0 in 2024

UP NEXT  

Illinois State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff continue the weekend series on Saturday with first pitch at 2 p.m. CT from the Torii Hunter Baseball Complex in Pine Bluff. Live stats and video links for Saturday can be found at goredbirds.com.

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