NORMAL, Ill. – Auggie Rasmussen's go-ahead three-run blast in the bottom of the first carried Illinois State (15-11 overall, 5-2 MVC) to a 11-1 run-rule victory against Valparaiso (10-17 overall, 2-5 MVC) Friday afternoon at Duffy Bass Field.
Six players had hits for Illinois State, led by sophomore Daniel Pacella, who went 3-for-4 with two RBIs.
Rasmussen smacked his seventh home run of the season, finishing the afternoon with a team-high four RBIs versus the Beacons.
Senior Cameron Mabee shined on Friday, going the full 7.0 innings against Valparaiso, firing three strikeouts and only allowing one run.
Scoring Breakdown:
- The Redbirds got on the board first, thanks to Rasmussen's home run in the 1st inning to make it 3-0 ILS.
- Pacella kept the bats rolling for the 'Birds, with a two-RBI double in the 3rd inning, to make it a five-run game.
- Redshirt junior Judah Morris found a gap in left field, plating Pacella, with his 12th double of the season as the score read 6-0 Redbirds.
- Senior Greg Nichols would add to the scoring in the 3rd with a RBI single up the middle to push the lead to seven, 7-0.
- Finally, it was sophomore Luke Lawrence's turn to push across runs as the southpaw belted a hit to right field as ILS finished the 3rd with six runs and a 9-0 lead.
- Valparaiso got a run on the board in the 5th with a solo home run of their own
- Illinois State would score the final two runs of the afternoon, including a walk-off hit from junior Noah Smith, to claim the 10-run victory over the Beacons.
INSIDE THE BOX SCOREÂ
- First walk-off win for ILS since April 2023 versus Missouri State
- ILS now has seven wins by at least 9+ runs in 2024
- First home win for ILS over Valparaiso since 4/15/22
UP NEXTÂ Â
Illinois State and Valparaiso are scheduled to continue the weekend series Saturday with first pitch at 3 p.m. CT.
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