Redbirds Drop Final Game Of Opening Weekend Series To SEMO, 10-1 Saturday Afternoon

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Illinois State baseball program dropped its final contest of their opening weekend series against SEMO, Sunday afternoon at Capaha Field in Cape Girardeau, Mo., 10-1. 

The Redhawks took advantage of a pair of wild pitches to score two runs in the second inning to move in front 2-0. SEMO added a four-run frame to extend its lead to 6-0 in the bottom of the third inning. 

In the top of the fourth, Junior Ryan Bakes pulled a run back with a solo blast to make the score, 6-1. Bakes' home run marked his second home run of the opening weekend series. 

The Redhawks added four in the bottom of the sixth with an RBI single, and a three-run home run to move their lead to 10-1. 

NOTES 

• Junior transfer Ryan Bakes notched a two-hit performance, reaching base in all four plate appearances, Saturday afternoon. Bakes' multi-hit game marks his second of the opening series. 

• Redshirt Freshman Luke Teschke made his first career start and recorded his first collegiate strikeout in the contest. 

• Junior transfer Henry Brummel tallied his first appearance as a Redbird, notching three strikeouts, including his first in Illinois State colors. 

• Junior transfer Nolan Girard made his first appearance at Illinois State, entering the contest in relief. Girard tossed 1.2 innings and recorded his first strikeout in Redbird colors. 

• Junior transfer Jacob Culp entered in relief to make his first appearance at Illinois State. Culp notched his first career Division I strikeout in his sole inning of work. 

• Sophomore Eric Machej recorded five hits across the series, marking the most in a three-game series for the Edmonton, Alberta native. 

• Despite Sunday's defeat, the Redbirds secured the series victory on Friday evening and captured their fourth season-opening series win in the Steve Holm era. 

UP NEXT 

The Redbirds will return with a mid-week contest against SIUE on Tuesday,  Feb. 17, at Roy E. Lee Field at Simmons Baseball Complex. First pitch from Edwardsville is set for 3:00 p.m. 

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