SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – After falling in the first game of the series, the Redbirds' bounced back on day two, earning the 7-2 victory over Missouri State. The 'Birds racked up 12 hit with two coming on home runs. The Redbirds and the Bears will go at it again tomorrow, Mar. 17, for the decisive game three to determine the series victor.
Offensively, Adisyn Hopkins led the Redbirds going 4-for-4, a performance that was last seen in 2022 from former Redbird Emme Olson. Ella Boyer earned her first-career home run, while Jayden Standish blasted her first home run of the year. Paige McLeod earned the victory on the mound going 7.0 innings, scattering six hits, and giving up just two runs.
'BIRDS BITS
Offensive Highlights:
Pitching Breakdown:
- Paige McLeod: (W, 4-3) 7.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 31 BF
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Redbirds came out hot, scoring one in the first inning behind a solo home run from Jayden Standish. It was not long until the 'Birds struck again on a two-run shot from Ella Boyer which scored both herself and Adisyn Hopkins, who led off the second with a single to center. In the bottom of the second, the Bears loaded the bases, but Paige McLeod worked back-to-back outs to end the threat.
Illinois State added four to its lead in the top of the fourth, coming on four hits and one error. Hopkins led off the inning with another single, followed by a bunt single from Julia Larson. Madi Bylak reached on an error which loaded the bases for Bella Wilkerson, who knocked in two on her single to left. Kaili Chval added two more runs on a single to center, bringing the 'Birds out to a 7-0 lead.
In the bottom of the seventh, a single and a home run put the Bears on the board, but the Redbirds were able to hang on and seal the victory, the first of the conference season.Â
ON DECK
The Redbirds will be back in action tomorrow, Mar. 17 at 12:00 p.m. CT to close out the series in a rubber match with the Bears. Illinois State will then take on in-state rival Illinois on Tuesday, Mar. 19 for its home opener at Marian Kneer.
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