Timely Hits Propel Redbirds To Series Win Against Valpo, 6-2
VALPARAISO, Ind. – It took a couple innings for the Illinois State offense to heat up on Saturday against Valparaiso in game two of the weekend series, but the Redbirds (15-25, 8-7 MVC) came alive with five runs combined in the third and fourth innings on some timely hits to come away with a 6-2 over the Beacons (17-20, 6-10 MVC) to take the series win.
The win was the fourth in a row for the Redbirds, and the series win is the third for the Redbirds in MVC play (Bradley, UIC, Valpo).
BIRDS BITS (vs. Valpo)
Offensive Highlights:
Delainey Bryant: 2-for-3, 2 R, 1 3B, 1 BB
Julia Larson: 2-for-3
Ella Boyer: 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 2B
Tatum Wolford: 1-for-4, 1 2B, 3 RBI
Addison Masching: 1-for-4, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI
Abby Knight: 1-for-4, 1 RBI
Pitching Breakdown:
Paige McLeod (W, 2-9): 5.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Hannah Meeks: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
HOW IT HAPPENED
Wolford busted the game open in the top of the third inning, when she cleared the based with a 3-run double to give the Redbirds a 3-0 lead. ISU would then tack on a pair of runs in the top of the fourth inning, when Boyer scored on an error and when Bryant crossed the plate on an RBI double off the bat of Masching that made the score 5-0 after the fourth. Valpo would get a run back in the bottom of the fifth inning to cut the Redbird lead to 5-1, but the Redbirds would get that run back in the top of the sixth inning on an RBI single by Knight to center field which made the score 6-1. Valpo answered once again in the bottom of the sixth with a run, but Meeks would come on in relief of McLeod to secure the Redbird victory and the series win.
ON DECK
The Redbirds and Beacons will play the series finale on Sunday, with first pitch scheduled for noon at the Valpo Softball Complex.
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