NORMAL, Ill. -- The Illinois State softball team opened its series against Drake with a doubleheader sweep Friday at Marian Kneer Stadium, posting an 8–0 run-rule win in the opener before securing the series with an 8–5 victory in game two.
The Redbirds' offense exploded for five total home runs across the two contests, including a multi-homer performance from Tatum Wolford. Paige McLeod led the pitching staff with a two-hit shutout in the opener and a save in the nightcap.
BIRD BITS (Game 1 vs. Drake)
Offensive Highlights:
Hannah Meeks: 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, 1 R
Julia Larson: 1-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 1 R
Tatum Wolford: 1-for-4, HR, 1 RBI, 2 R
Bella Atkinson: 1-for-3, 2 RBI
Pitching Breakdown:
Paige McLeod (W, 8-3): 6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
HOW IT HAPPENED
Illinois State struck first in the second inning when Hannah Meeks launched a two-run home run to center field. The Redbirds added to their lead in the fourth, scoring five runs highlighted by a two-RBI double from Julia Larson and a two-RBI single from Bella Atkinson. Wolford ended the game in the sixth frame with her first home run of the season. In the circle, McLeod delivered a dominant performance, tossing six shutout innings while allowing just two hits and striking out a season-high five batters.
BIRD BITS (Game 2 vs. Drake)
Offensive Highlights:
Morgan Calhoun: 2-for-3, HR, BB, 1 RBI, 3 R
Taylor Liebelt: 1-for-1, HR, BB, 3 RBI, 1 R
Tatum Wolford: 1-for-3, HR, 2 BB, 1 RBI, 1 R
Hannah Meshnick: 1-for-2, 2B, 2 RBI
Lauren Flowers: 1-for-1, 1 RBI
Pitching Breakdown:
Hannah Meshnick: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Gracelyn Kemp (W, 2-0): 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Paige McLeod (Save, 2): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
HOW IT HAPPENED
After Drake took an early lead on a first-inning home run, the Redbirds responded in the second with a solo shot from Calhoun to tie the game. Illinois State added two runs in the third on a two-RBI double from Hannah Meshnick before Drake briefly moved back in front with a three-run fourth inning. The Redbirds answered immediately with a solo home run from Wolford, her second of the day, and then regained the lead in the fifth on an RBI pinch-hit single from Lauren Flowers. Illinois State created separation in the sixth when Taylor Liebelt launched a three-run home run to center field. In the circle, Gracelyn Kemp earned the win in relief, while McLeod closed the game with a scoreless seventh inning to clinch her second save this season.
ON DECK
The Redbirds will close the series against Drake tomorrow at 2 p.m. CT at Marian Kneer Stadium. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
