NORMAL, Ill. – With the series tied 1-1 following Friday's doubleheader, both Illinois State and Belmont were looking to pick up a victory and series win on Saturday in the finale of the three-game set. Unfortunately for the Redbirds (7-23, 1-5 MVC) they were not able to scratch across any runs as the Bruins (23-8, 7-1 MVC) pitching secured a 3-0 win at Marian Kneer Stadium.
BIRDS BITS (vs. Belmont)
Offensive Highlights:Â
Julia Larson: 1-for-3, 1 2B
Addison Masching: 1-for-3
Pitching Breakdown:
Hannah Meshnick (L, 3-9): 5.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Paige McLeod: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bruins jumped out to a 2-0 in the top of the second inning, thanks to a home run by Grace Gressly and some heads-up baserunning by Maddy Balsiger. Belmont would add another run in the top of third on their second home run of the contest, this one off the bat of Emma Barnes to make the score 3-0. That would be all the Bruins would need, as starter Maya Johnson shut down the Redbirds offense and allowed just two hits in seven innings, with walks and 12 strikeouts to improve to 13-1 on the season.
ON DECK
The Redbirds will head to Peoria on Tuesday for a midweek MVC matchup with 1-74 rival Bradley at 5 p.m. at OSF Healthcare Field at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex.
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