|
April 19, 2006 INDIANA STATE DROPS THIRD GAME TO ILLINOIS STATE NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State jumped out in front early and never looked back en route to a 10-1 win over Indiana State at Redbird Softball Complex on Wednesday. With the win the ‘Birds completed the three-game sweep of the Sycamores, improving to 14-4 in Missouri Valley Conference play and 29-11 overall. Indiana State falls to 18-21, 6-12 MVC. With Tricia Gaither on courtesy of a leadoff walk, Randi Patton tripled down the left field line to bring in ISU’s first run in the opening frame. A wild pitch allowed Patton to score before Kelsey Warning reached on a one-out walk. Starting pitcher Stacy Birk doubled to the gap in right center to put a pair of Redbirds in scoring position. Another walk loaded the bases, setting up Katie Guilbault’s sacrifice fly for the third run of the game. The Redbird bats got hot again in the bottom of the third. Jessie Buker, in for Warning, got things started with a single to right and Birk followed with a base on balls to put two ‘Birds on the base paths. A sacrifice bunt put both runners in scoring position and following a pop out on the infield Illinois State did some damage with two outs. Kaprice Williams hit a RBI single through the left side and Tiffany Prager walked to fill the bases. Gaither singled up the middle, plating two Redbirds, and advanced to second on the throw to the plate keeping a pair in scoring position. Patton then doubled to right center to clear the bases, making it 8-0. Amber Smith then stepped up and sent the first offering from relief pitcher Julie Damico over the wall in centerfield for ISU’s final two runs. Indiana State broke up the shutout in the fourth inning. Jackie Chomicki and Stephanie Spychaj each singled to put runners on the corners. The ensuing batter hit the ball to Williams at shortstop and the ‘Birds caught Chomicki in a rundown between third and home, but she was able to get back to third safely. With the bases loaded, Birk walked Yvette Tovar as the Sycamores got on the board. Indiana State threatened again in the fifth but was unable to score. Birk (14-6) recorded the win for the ‘Birds, striking out four and walking a pair while scattering four hits. Starter Natalie Kopp (1-3) endured the loss for the Sycamores. She allowed two hits and three earned runs while walking a pair in a third of an inning. Indiana State is right back in action tomorrow with a twinbill against Ball State at Price Field. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. (EDT).
|