Allison Thornley Senior Associate Athletic Director/Internal Operations | Illinois State University Athletics Website
Allison Thornley Senior Associate Athletic Director/Internal Operations | Illinois State University Athletics Website
The Illinois State Redbirds achieved a significant victory over the Valparaiso Beacons, completing a series sweep with an 8-7 walk-off win. This marks their first Valley sweep of the season, advancing their record to 10-7 in conference play and 16-26 overall.
Addison Masching delivered the game-winning hit for Illinois State in the bottom of the seventh inning. The team saw home runs from Delainey Bryant and Madi Bylak, with Bylak's being her first career homer as a Redbird. Multiple players had notable performances at bat, including four with multi-hit games and three who drove in multiple runs.
In terms of pitching, Hannah Meshnick started but faced challenges, giving up five earned runs over 3.1 innings. Paige McLeod secured the win by allowing two earned runs across 3.2 innings.
The game began with Valparaiso taking an early lead in the second inning, scoring three runs. However, Illinois State responded strongly in their half of the inning to not only tie but take a lead with a series of doubles and a home run by Bryant.
Valparaiso regained momentum briefly in the fourth inning by scoring four runs to retake control. Yet, McLeod's entry into the game stabilized Illinois State's defense through subsequent scoreless innings.
Madi Bylak's pinch-hit home run narrowed Valparaiso’s lead in the sixth inning. In the seventh inning, Adisyn Hopkins singled and Bella Wilkerson doubled to set up runners on base. Ella Boyer then tied it up with a sacrifice fly before Masching clinched victory with her second double of the day.
Following this successful series at home, Illinois State will face Bradley away on April 16th before heading into another three-game series against Indiana State starting April 19th.
Fans can keep up-to-date with Illinois State Softball via social media platforms like Twitter (@RedbirdsSB), Instagram (@redbirdsoftball), and Facebook (Illinois State Redbird Softball). More information is also available through GoRedbirds.com or by using the Illinois State Redbirds App for tickets and other resources.
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