DES MOINES, Iowa – The second game of the weekend series between Illinois State and Drake was a close one, as the Redbirds trailed by just one for most of the game. However, Drake (13-20, 5-6 MVC) added an insurance in the bottom of the sixth inning which would prove to be the winning run as the Redbirds (11-25, 5-7 MVC) were able to score a run in the seventh but it was not enough in a 2-1 defeat to the Bulldogs on Saturday at Ron Buel Field.

BIRDS BITS (vs. Drake)

Offensive Highlights: 
Saveea Freeland: 1-for-1, 1 RBI
Delainey Bryant: 1-for-3
Addison Masching: 1-for-3
Adisyn Hopkins: 1-for-3

Pitching Breakdown:
Paige McLeod (L, 0-9): 6.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

HOW IT HAPPENED
Drake picked up an early run in the bottom of the first inning to take a 1-0 lead over the Redbirds. From there, McLeod settled down retiring six-straight hitters at one point and held the Bulldogs scoreless until the bottom of the sixth inning, when Drake added an insurance run. The Redbirds would get something going in the seventh, as Hopkins picked up a one-out single and was then pinch-run for by Abby Horton who advanced to second on a strike-out, throw-out by pinch hitter Lexie Griffin in the next at bat. Then, pinch hitter Freeland came up with two outs and laced a single to center field to plate the lone Redbird run of the day in a 2-1 defeat.

ON DECK
The Redbirds and Bulldogs will play the series finale on Sunday at noon in Des Moines.

For updates on Illinois State Softball, follow the Redbirds on Twitter (@RedbirdsSB), Instagram (@redbirdsoftball), and Facebook (Illinois State Redbird Softball).

GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App:  Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.