NORMAL, Ill. – The opening game of the weekend series between Illinois State and UNI was an explosive one, as the team combined for 17 runs and 26 hits on Friday night, but it was the visiting Panthers (27-16, 15-7 MVC) that came out on top over the Redbirds (19-27, 12-9 MVC) by a score of 9-8 at Marian Kneer Stadium.

BIRDS BITS (vs. UNI)

Offensive Highlights: 
Adisyn Hopkins: 3-for-3, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 BB, 2 RBI
Ella Boyer: 1-for-3, 1 R, 2 RBI
Bella Wilkerson: 1-for-4, 1 2B, 2 RBI
Delainey Bryant: 2-for-4, 2 R, 1 2B

Pitching Breakdown:
Hannah Meshnick: 3.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 6 BB, 2 K
Hannah Meeks (L, 6-6): 1.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Paige McLeod: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

HOW IT HAPPENED
After a scoreless first inning, the Panthers would take an early lead with a run in the top of the second inning and two runs in the top of the third inning to take a 3-0 lead. However, the Redbirds would answer with four runs in the bottom of the third inning to take a 4-3 lead. Tatum Wolford got the scoring started with an RBI single and Hopkins plated two with an RBI double to left field to tie the game at the time at 3-3. Boyer would then give the Redbirds the lead with a sacrifice fly to centerfield as the game headed to the fourth. The back-and-forth continued as the Panthers tied the game in the top of the fourth inning on a home run, but the Redbirds would regain the lead in the bottom half of the inning on an RBI groundout by Addison Masching to make the score 5-4.

The Panthers picked up two more runs in the top of the fifth inning on a two-run home run to centerfield to retake the lead at 6-5, before the Redbirds took the lead back in the bottom of the inning on an RBI single by Boyer and a two-run double by Wilkerson to make the score 8-6. Unfortunately for the Redbirds, the Panthers would score three runs in the top of the sixth inning to take the lead back at 9-8 on a home run, a sacrifice fly and an RBI single. UNI would hold onto the lead over the final two innings to secure the win in the series opener.

ON DECK
The Redbirds and Panthers will square off in the second game of the series at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Marian Kneer Stadium.

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