NORMAL, Ill. – The final game of the split midweek conference series between Illinois State and Bradley was decided early in the contest, as the Redbirds (19-26, 12-8 MVC) scored seven runs over the first two innings to pick up a 7-3 win over the Braves (19-28, 8-13 MVC) to secure the series sweep over their I-74 rivals.
Outfielder Julia Larson was the offensive standout for the Redbirds, as recorded a double and a triple and drove in five runs for ISU. The win gave the Redbirds their second MVC series sweep, following a three-game sweep of Valparaiso earlier this season. The Birds continue their hot streak of late, having now won eight of their last nine games overall.
BIRDS BITS (vs. Bradley)
Offensive Highlights:Â
Julia Larson: 2-for-3, 1 2B, 1 3B, 5 RBI
Delainey Bryant: 2-for-3, 2 R, 1 HBP
Abby Knight: 1-for-2, 2 R, 2 BB
Addison Masching: 1-for-4, 1 R, 1 2B, 2 RBI
Pitching Breakdown:
Paige McLeod (W, 4-9): 5.0 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Hannah Meeks: 2.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
HOW IT HAPPENED
ISU's offense wasted little time jumping out to a lead, as Larson doubled to left field to drive in Bryant and Knight for the first two runs of the game as the Redbirds took a 2-0 lead after the first inning. The second inning was even more eventful for the Redbirds, as Masching got things started with a 2-run double to left center field that scored Bella Wilkerson and Bryant to make the score 4-0 in favor of ISU. Then, with the bases loaded, Larson came up big again this time with a 3-run triple to the left center field gap that cleared the bases to put the Redbirds up 7-0 after two innings of play. The Braves would tack on two runs in the top of the fifth inning and one more in the top of the seventh, however the Redbirds held on for the win and the series sweep to improve to 12-8 in league play.
ON DECK
The Redbirds continue their homestand this weekend, as they welcome in UNI for a three-game series, with first pitch on Friday set for 5 p.m. The second game of the series on Saturday will begin at 2 p.m., and Sunday's Senior Day contest will have a first pitch at Noon at Marian Kneer Stadium.
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