Redbirds Slug Five Home Runs, Complete Series Sweep Over Drake

NORMAL, Ill. -- The Illinois State softball team defeated Drake, 11-3, in six innings to complete the three-game series sweep against the Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon at Marian Kneer Stadium.

Back-to-back-to-back home runs in the sixth and a four-hit day from Taylor Liebelt helped the Redbirds earn their third run-rule victory this season. Paige McLeod also claimed her second win of the weekend in the circle, improving her season record to 9-3. Across the three-game series, the Redbird offense slugged 10 long balls and scored 26 runs on 32 hits.

BIRD BITS (Game 3 vs. Drake)

Offensive Highlights:

Taylor Liebelt: 4-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 3 R

Ava Boyer: 2-for-4, HR, 3B, 2 RBI, 2 R

Morgan Calhoun: 2-for-4, HR, 1 RBI, 2 R

Bella Atkinson: 1-for-3, HR, 1 BB, 2 RBI, 2 R

Ella Boyer: 2-for-3, 1 BB

Lauren Flowers: 2-for-2, 2B, 1 RBI, 1 R

Pitching Breakdown:

Paige McLeod (W, 9-3): 4.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Hannah Meshnick: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

HOW IT HAPPENED

Illinois State continued its strong offensive weekend with a four-run first inning, highlighted by home runs from Ava Boyer and Liebelt along with an RBI groundout from Hannah Meeks. The Redbirds added another run in the third to extend their early lead.

Drake avoided the shutout with two runs in the fifth and another in the sixth, cutting the Redbirds' advantage to 5–3. Illinois State responded in explosive fashion in the bottom of the sixth with a six-run outburst to put the game away.

Lauren Flowers sparked the rally with a pinch-hit single and later scored on a triple by Ava Boyer. Bella Atkinson, Morgan Calhoun and Paige Rummans then delivered back-to-back-to-back home runs to push the Redbirds' lead to 10–3. Liebelt and Ella Boyer followed with singles before Flowers capped the inning, and the game, with her second hit of the frame, this time an RBI double to center field.

ON DECK

The Redbirds are back at home next weekend, hosting Southern Illinois in a three-game conference series. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. on Friday at Marian Kneer Stadium.