Redbirds Rally Late to Defeat Cougars
Written by Riley Ward on February 17, 2026
Image courtesy of Illinois State Athletics
NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State Redbird baseball team is back in the win column after defeating the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougars 9-5 Tuesday night.
The Redbirds started the scoring when Junior Ryan Banks drove in his brother, Sophomore Brayden Banks, on an RBI double to make it 1-0 in the top of the first. SIUE responded with a three-run bottom of the first.
No runs were scored again until graduate-senior Peyton McHarg smashed his first career home run in the top of the sixth to bring ISU within one. Later in the frame, Senior Josh Outlaw hit an RBI double, bringing in Graduate Camden Karczweski to tie the game at three apiece.
ISU’s bullpen proved to be pivotal in this game, as pitchers Lucas Foley, Nolan Girard and Reece Clapp combined for eight innings, two runs and 11 strikeouts.
In the top of the ninth, the Redbirds blew the game open, scoring a season high six runs in the frame. ISU saw scoring from three RBI doubles, a passed ball and a Luke Stugla RBI single.
One player looking to continue his early season success is junior designated hitter Graham Mastros, who was named Missouri Valley Player of the week following his three home run performance in the season opener against SEMO.
Now sitting at 3-1, ISU looks towards the Snowbird Baseball Classic in Port Charolette, Fla.
Game one is against UMass-Lowell on Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. Game two is against Brown on Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. The Rebirds will wrap up the classic with game three against Miami on Feb 22 at 11 a.m.
For all thing Redbird baseball, be sure to stay tuned to wznd.com.
