NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State baseball program is set to travel to Port Charlotte, Fla., for the 2026 Snowbird Classic.
The trip to the Gulf Coast marks the Redbirds' second appearance at the Snowbird Classic in the last three years. In Illinois State's previous trip, the Redbirds captured an 18-12 victory over St. Thomas to begin the 2024 season. After the opening victory, Illinois State fell to Saint Louis and St. Thomas before its last Snowbird Classic contest was canceled.
The Redbirds head south, roaring off the back of a 9-5 victory over SIUE on Feb. 17. Illinois State propelled to victory following a six-run ninth inning to rally past the Cougars. Graduate transfer Payton McHarg sparked the Redbirds' comeback with his first home run at Illinois State in the sixth inning. McHarg followed his solo blast with a two-RBI double in the ninth to give the Redbirds the lead. Senior Josh Outlaw added two doubles and a pair of RBIs in Illinois State's victory.
GAME ONE - Friday, Feb. 20, vs. UMass-Lowell, 10 a.m. CT
On Friday, Illinois State will battle UMass-Lowell in what will be the first meeting in the all-time series between the two programs. The River Hawks are led by second-year head coach Nick Barese and head to Florida after a 1-2 start to the 2026 season.
Senior Thomas Harper is set to start for the Redbirds after an impressive opening day start against SEMO on Feb. 13. Harper tossed 5.0 innings and added three strikeouts in his season debut against the Redhawks and limited SEMO to just one run on three hits in the Redbirds 12-1 victory.
GAME TWO - Saturday, Feb. 21, vs. Brown, 10 a.m. CT
After opening action from Florida against the River Hawks, the Redbirds will take on Brown in the third all-time meeting between the two programs. The Bears hold a 2-0 advantage over Illinois State in the all-time series. Saturday's matchup will be the first since 1974 between the two squads.
Redshirt Sophomore Carson Cormier is projected to make his first career collegiate start for the Redbirds on the mound. Cormier made his Redbird debut out of the bullpen in Illinois State's game two doubleheader victory over SEMO on Feb. 13. Cormier tallied four innings pitched and four strikeouts, while limiting the Redhawks to just two runs in relief in Illinois State's 7-6 win
GAME THREE - Sunday, Feb. 22, vs. Miami (OH), 11 a.m. CT
Illinois State will wrap up action on Sunday with a contest against Miami (OH), in the seventh meeting all-time between the two programs. The Redbirds are looking to capture their first victory as the Redhawks have earned six wins in the all-time series. Sunday's matchup marks the first meeting since 2017. Redshirt Freshman Luke Teschke is in line to make his second start of the season, after making his collegiate debut against SEMO.
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