Redbirds beat River Hawks 12-1 in opening game of Snowbird Classic
Written by Jason Zaehler on February 21, 2026
Image courtesy of Illinois State Athletics.
NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State University baseball team defeated the University of Massachusetts – Lowell 12-1 in their first game of the Snowbird Classic in Charlotte, Florida.
The Redbirds defeated the River Hawks in their fourth win of the 2026 season. The win came in eight innings with senior pitcher, Thomas Harper getting the victory with 1 earned run, 4 strikeouts and 2 walks across 4 innings.
The afternoon saw sophomore Brayden Bakes remain hot, going 3-3, including his first homerun of the season and 2 rbis whilst reaching base in all five plate appearances.
Missouri Valley Player of the week, Graham Mastros, stayed hot with 2 hits and 2 rbis in the game. His solo shot in the eighth inning put the junior at four home runs on the season in just the first five games.
The Redbirds only used two pitchers, with Michael Addari coming in the fourth inning, pitching lights out with five strikeouts and one walk.
ISU will next face Brown University on Saturday at 10 AM.
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