McLean County Times

Illinois State University secured a dramatic victory against Belmont in the second game of their doubleheader on Friday, following a narrow loss in the first matchup. After losing 2-1 in 10 innings to the league-leading Bruins, the Redbirds rebounded with a walk-off home run by Delainey Bryant, clinching a 6-5 win and delivering Belmont its first conference defeat of the season.

In the first game, Tatum Wolford tied the score with a home run, but Belmont's Barnes broke the deadlock in extra innings with a homer that secured their win. Hannah Meshnick pitched over nine innings for Illinois State but ultimately took the loss.

The second game saw Belmont establish an early lead, scoring five runs by the third inning. However, Illinois State mounted a comeback beginning in the sixth inning when Abby Knight hit a two-run homer. The Redbirds then rallied further in the seventh inning as Marissa Moffett drove in a run before Bryant's decisive three-run homer sealed their victory.

Illinois State and Belmont are set to conclude their series on Saturday at Marian Kneer Stadium.

For more updates on Illinois State Softball, fans can follow them on social media platforms including Twitter (@RedbirdsSB), Instagram (@redbirdsoftball), and Facebook (Illinois State Redbird Softball).