McLean County Times

Illinois State University triumphed over their I-74 rival, Bradley, securing a series sweep on Wednesday night in Peoria. The Redbirds concluded the three-game series with an away victory after winning the doubleheader at home earlier this season. With this win, the team improved to a 17-26 overall record and 11-7 in conference play.

Addison Masching had an impressive performance for Illinois State, going 4-for-4 with three runs scored and one RBI. Delainey Bryant extended her streak of reaching base to 27 consecutive games with an RBI single, marking the third longest active streak nationally. Bryant also recorded multiple hits during the game.

The offensive highlights included contributions from several players: Addison Masching went 4-for-4 with an RBI and three runs; Delainey Bryant hit 2-for-5 with a double, three RBIs, and a run; Abby Horton added a hit with two RBIs; Abby Knight contributed one hit and one RBI; Ella Boyer scored twice along with her single hit.

In pitching efforts, Hannah Meshnick secured the win by pitching five innings, allowing six hits and three earned runs. Paige McLeod pitched two innings, giving up two hits and one earned run.

The Redbirds took an early lead in the second inning when Delainey Bryant's RBI single brought Addison Masching home. In the third inning, they expanded their lead by scoring four additional runs. Ella Boyer and Addison Masching each drove in a run with singles before Abby Horton's hit allowed both runners to score.

Bradley responded in the fifth inning by scoring two runs through a combination of walks, hits, and a hit by pitch. They added another pair of runs in the sixth inning to close the gap to just one run before Illinois State widened their lead again in the seventh inning. Ella Boyer's advance on a throwing error set up another successful rally where Masching's fourth hit of the night and Bryant's clutch double down the right field line helped secure victory for Illinois State.

The Redbirds will now prepare for their upcoming road trip to Terre Haute to face Indiana State's Sycamores starting Friday afternoon.

For further updates on Illinois State Softball activities or results from upcoming games against Indiana State University, fans can follow them on social media platforms such as Twitter (@RedbirdsSB), Instagram (@redbirdsoftball), or Facebook (Illinois State Redbird Softball).