Redbird Track & Field Complex | Illinois State University Athletics
Redbird Track & Field Complex | Illinois State University Athletics
The Illinois State baseball team had a successful day at Duffy Bass Field on Saturday, winning both games of their doubleheader against Murray State. The victories, with scores of 7-1 and 13-10, marked a positive turn for the team in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) standings.
Illinois State took control of the first game by scoring four runs in the fifth inning, securing a significant advantage. The game started strong for Illinois State with Shai Robinson's home run in the 1st inning. Murray State responded with an RBI double in the 3rd inning to tie the score. However, Illinois State quickly regained the lead with a sacrifice fly by Daniel Pacella. By the end of the fifth inning, Illinois State had extended their lead to 6-1, thanks to a single from Graham Mastros and a fielder's choice by Daniel Contreras. The margin was further widened with Pacella's home run in the 7th inning.
Illinois State pitcher Tanner Perry was instrumental in this victory, allowing only six hits and striking out three across his 5.2 innings. Matthew Donnison, coming in as relief, sealed the game with 3.1 innings of two-hit pitching and five strikeouts.
In the second game, Illinois State again scored first, driven by a groundout from Brayden Bakes and a wild pitch that allowed Pacella to score. The game saw several lead changes, with Illinois State surging ahead in the bottom of the 8th inning. Robinson's two-RBI single, Pacella’s RBI double, and Judah Morris's contribution set up an 8-run inning, overcoming the 9-5 deficit.
Tresdon Rybarczyk celebrated his first appearance of the season with a win, pitching an inning that held the Racers to just one run.
Top hitters for Illinois State included Robinson and Pacella, who both contributed significantly across both games. On the mound, efforts by Perry, Donnison, and Rybarczyk stood out.
The win improved Illinois State's record to 12-14 overall and 4-2 in the MVC. Murray State fell to 15-8 overall and 2-4 in the MVC. Illinois State will next face Illinois in Champaign on Tuesday, with the game available for streaming via B1G+.
For ongoing information and updates on Illinois State Baseball, fans can visit GoRedbirds.com or follow the team on social media.
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