NORMAL, Ill. – The Redbirds are slated to take on the Bradley Braves in a midweek doubleheader beginning at 2:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Mar. 27. The second game of the doubleheader will begin approximately thirty minutes after the conclusion of the previous game. The 'Birds were originally supposed to play the Braves in a set of two single games, but the schedule was changed due to impending weather.
The 'Birds continue on to games five and six of the nine-game homestand, which will conclude with the series against Drake this weekend. The Redbirds enter into the two conference battles at 9-22, and an even 3-3 conference record.
WEEK SCHEDULE
Wednesday, Mar. 27 – Illinois State vs Bradley (DH)  – Beginning at 2 p.m. CT (WZND)
Friday, Mar. 29 – Illinois State vs Drake – 5 p.m. CT (ESPN+, WZND)
Saturday, Mar. 30 – Illinois State vs Drake – 2 p.m. (ESPN+, WZND)
Sunday, Mar. 31 – Illinois State vs Drake – 12 p.m. CT (ESPN+, WZND)
SERIES HISTORY
Illinois State and Bradley will face one another for the 105th time in program history on Mar. 27. The I-74 rivalry is one of the longest standing traditions and competitive battles within all sports of the opposing universities. Illinois State leads the all-time series by a wide margin of 50 wins, and has won both the first and last meetings between the programs. In 2023, the Redbirds swept Bradley in the three-game conference series, putting up 19 runs on the Braves.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
The Braves have a winning record on the year at 15-14 and sit at a 5-1 record in conference. The Braves are on a three-game winning streak, and have won all but one game at home. Bradley has won its last two conference series against both Indiana State and Missouri State. The Braves swept the Lady Bears at home, but fell in one game on the road in Terre Haute. The Braves picked up non-conference wins over Western Carolina, Detroit Mercy, UNLV, Army, Akron, and SEMO. The 'Birds and Braves will play one more single game down the road at Bradley to cap off the 2024 series.
NEWS & NOTES
'Still Streakin': Delainey Bryant has two streaks going. She has reached base in 15 consecutive games, as well as has had hits in eight consecutive games.
Rivalry for the Ages: The 'Birds and Braves will face one another for the 105th time in program history on Wednesday.
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