‘Birds Blow 6 Run Lead, Drop Series Finale to Indiana State

Image courtesy of goredbirds.com

NORMAL Ill.- Today, the Illinois State Redbird baseball team was defeated by the Indiana State Sycamores 8-7 in extra innings. Great starting pitching from Sean Sinisko and powerful offense were some themes we saw from ISU early, but ultimately their momentum stalled. The Sycamores were able to claw their way back from the large deficit and defeat the Redbirds in the final matchup of the four-game series.

Illinois State’s offense came out firing, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning. Extra base hits by Jake McCaw and Ryan Cermak allowed ISU to blow open the game. The Redbirds scoring continued when Aiden Huggins hit an RBI single to left field in the 4th, and Tyson Hays hit an RBI triple in the 6th.

This seemed to be the start that ISU would need in order to take care of the talented Indiana State roster, but their luck soon ran out. After a fielder’s choice that scored a run in the 7th inning, Indiana State’s Max Wright rallied the Sycamores with a two-run homerun. Scoring continued throughout the 8th, 9th, and 10th inning with homeruns from Fuentes, Rivera, and Hanna II.

The Redbirds bullpen let up a total of 5 runs in the matchup which allowed the Sycamores to stay in the competition. The birds snap their one game win streak and drop to an overall record of 12-18, with a conference record of 4-4.

The next matchup for the Illinois State squad will be against the University of Milwaukee on April 16th at 4pm. Tune into 103.3 WZND or follow us on twitter for more information!

Photo Courtesy of goredbirds.com