Redbirds 7th Inning Push Falls Short, Drop Series Finale

Image courtesy of goredbirds.com

NORMAL Ill.-The Illinois State Redbirds to the Southern Illinois Salukis three runs to two. ISU still secured the series win after sweeping yesterday’s double header. Mack Leonard takes the loss for the Redbirds while Sarah Harness secures the win for the Salukis.

Southern Illinois got off to an early lead after Jenny Jansen knocked in a runner. The Redbirds answered in the bottom of the second and tied the game when third baseman Jayden Standish took Sarah Harness opposite field for a solo home run. The visiting team was then able to score another two runs, one in both the third and sixth innings. Redbird Spenser Strandgard had a chance to win the game in the bottom of the seventh inning with the bases loaded but popped up to first base to end the ballgame.

Mack Leonard took the mound for the Redbirds and while she took the loss it was an overall quality performance. The junior only allowed six hits and three earned runs while going the full seven inning distance. Her record now stands at an impressive eight and two.

Next up for the Redbirds is a pair of home games against Bradley for a doubles header on Wednesday. The Braves sit with an overall record of 15-13, and 8-7 in conference play. You can catch the I-74 rivalry matchups on 103.3 WZND at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.