NORMAL, Ill. – After an 8-2 victory in game three, the Redbirds earned their first series victory, in program history, over the Murray State Racers. The series win also constituted the first Illinois State series win of the year.
Delainey Bryant was a double away from the cycle, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Bryant also extended her on-base streak to 15 consecutive games, which moves her into the second-longest streak in the nation. Jayden Standish, Adisyn Hopkins, and Julia Larson each turned in multi-hit performances, all going 2-for-4 with a combined two RBIs and three runs scored.
The Redbirds pitchers, both Hannah Meshnick and Paige McLeod, combined for only three hits in the game, and just two earned runs. Meshnick earned her fourth win, while McLeod earned her first-career save.
'BIRDS BITS
Offensive Highlights:
Pitching Breakdown:
- Hannah Meshnick: (W, 4-10) 4.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 18 BF
- Paige McLeod: (S, 1) 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 7 BF
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Redbirds jumped out to an early start, plating runs in the first inning. Delainey Bryant led-off the game with a triple to right center, which continued her consecutive base streak to 15 games. After a walk from Kaili Chval, Bryant would take advantage and score the first run for the 'Birds by stealing home. Jayden Standish singled down the right field line, sending Chval to third. A groundout from Abby Knight allowed Chval to score, putting the 'Birds out front by two.
In the bottom of the third, the Redbirds added another on a single up the middle from Julia Larson, and a throwing error from the Murray State third baseman. After two quiet innings, Murray State added two runs on two hits to bring the score within one run. But the Redbirds would put away the Racres in the bottom of the sixth, scoring five runs on six hits.
The hit parade began with a leadoff single from Larson, who advanced to third on a sac-bunt from Bella Wilkerson and an error from the Racers. It was Bryant, again, who came up in the clutch delivering a three-run bomb to bring the Redbirds ahead by three. Back-to-back-to-back singles from Chval, Standish, and Knight loaded the bases for the 'Birds. Adisyn Hopkins with the fourth Redbird single in a row, brought home two, to increase the lead to six.
The Redbird pitchers made quick work of the Racers in the top of the seventh, sending them down in order, to earn the first series victory for the 'Birds as well as the first home series victory of the year.
ON DECK
The Redbirds will be back in action Tuesday, Mar. 26 and Wednesday, Mar. 27 to face Bradley in two contests on back-to-back days. Both start times are slated for 5:00 p.m. CT. The 'Birds will then host Drake for another conference series, which will close out the nine-game homestand.
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