NORMAL, Ill. – The Redbirds are slated to take on the Bradley Braves in a single game on Wednesday with first pitch coming at 5:00 p.m. CT. The 'Birds and Braves played the first two games of the series in a double header back on Mar. 28. The single game was scheduled for Tuesday, Apr. 16, but was movedn to Apr. 17 due to impending weather.
After the game with Bradley, Illinois State will head up to Terre Haute to take on the Indiana State Sycamores. The Redbirds head into the week with a 16-26 overall record, and a 10-7 conference record.
WEEK SCHEDULE
Wednesday, Apr. 17 – Illinois State at Bradley – 5 p.m. CT
Friday, Apr. 19 – Illinois State at Indiana State – 2 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
Saturday, Apr. 20 – Illinois State at Indiana State – 1 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
Sunday, Apr. 21 – Illinois State at Indiana State – 11 a.m. CT (ESPN+)
SERIES HISTORY
Illinois State and Bradley will face one another for the 107th time in program history on Apr. 17. 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 52 wins, and has won both the first and last meetings between the programs. The 'Birds and the Braves met one another back on Mar. 28 of this season, where the 'Birds took the doubleheader sweep over their longtime rivals. The 'Birds took the victory in game one on a walk-off home run from Adisyn Hopkins. In game two, the Redbirds earned the six-run victory, scoring four runs in the fifth to secure the win.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
The Braves have an even record on the year at 21-21 and sit at a 10-7 record in conference. The Braves took the series win over 2023 Regular Season Champions, UNI, in their latest conference series. The Braves have also taken the series victory over Valpo, Missouri State, and Indiana State. Bradley also took a game from the conference leaders, Southern Illinois, during their three-game matchup. After the final game against the 'Birds, Bradley will take on Drake, Belmont, and UIC for the final three series of conference play.
NEWS & NOTES
'Still Streakin': Delainey Bryant has now reached base in 26 consecutive games, which puts her at the second longest active streak in the nation. Abby Knight currently has a 10-game hitting steak which puts her at the fourth longest active winning streak in the nation.
For updates on Illinois State Softball, follow the Redbirds on Twitter (@RedbirdsSB), Instagram (@redbirdsoftball), and Facebook (Illinois State Redbird Softball).
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