McLean County Times

The Redbirds faced a narrow defeat in the opening game of their three-game series against Indiana State, losing 2-1. This result places the Redbirds at a 17-27 record for the season and an 11-8 standing in Missouri Valley play.

Four Redbirds players each secured a hit during the game. Hannah Meshnick delivered a notable performance with a season-high five strikeouts. Delainey Bryant continued her impressive streak by reaching base for the 28th consecutive game, placing her second nationally for the longest active streak, after earning a walk at the start of the game.

In terms of offensive contributions, Jayden Standish went 1-for-3, Bella Wilkerson was 1-for-2, Ella Boyer achieved 1-for-3, Addison Masching also went 1-for-3, and Delainey Bryant recorded an RBI.

Hannah Meshnick's pitching breakdown included six innings pitched with six hits allowed, two runs (both earned), two walks, and five strikeouts from 27 batters faced.

The game's events unfolded with the Redbirds taking an early lead in the second inning thanks to an RBI sac-fly from Delainey Bryant. Bella Wilkerson initiated this sequence by being hit by a pitch, followed by Ella Boyer's single that put two runners on base. Abby Horton walked to load the bases before Bryant drove in their only run of the match.

Indiana State responded by scoring one run each in the fifth and sixth innings to secure their victory. A single to left field brought home one run in the fifth inning, while a double to left field added another in the sixth.

Despite scattering four hits throughout the game, Illinois State could not stage a comeback against Indiana State.

The series continues with game two scheduled for Saturday at 1:00 p.m. CT and concludes on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. CT. The Redbirds will then travel to UNI for their final road series of conference play.

For updates on Illinois State Softball, follow them on Twitter (@RedbirdsSB), Instagram (@redbirdsoftball), and Facebook (Illinois State Redbird Softball). Additional information is available through GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App.