McLean County Times

Illinois State emerged victorious over Drake in the final game of their series, securing a 15-5 win at Ron Buel Field. The Redbirds, who managed just one run in each of the first two games, broke out for a season-high 15 runs on 18 hits. This triumph improved their record to 12-25 overall and 6-7 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while Drake fell to 13-21 and 5-7 in the MVC.

The Redbirds' offensive outburst featured notable performances, with Ella Boyer going 4-for-4 with four RBIs, and Bella Atkinson contributing three hits and four RBIs. Other key players included Adisyn Hopkins, who scored three runs, and Tatum Wolford, who had two hits and two RBIs.

Pitcher Paige McLeod provided strong relief, giving up just two hits and no runs across 3.1 innings, earning her first win of the season.

“Drake scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 2-0 lead, but the Redbirds got one back in the top of the second on an RBI single by Boyer to cut the lead in half at 2-1. The Bulldogs would answer with three runs in the bottom of the second to take a 5-2 advantage,” stated the recap of events.

The Redbirds surged in the third inning with five runs on five hits, securing a 6-5 lead. Wolford initiated the scoring with a two-run single, followed by Atkinson and Boyer adding to the tally.

The fourth inning saw Illinois State continue to build on their lead, scoring another four runs. Julia Larson's RBI double and Atkinson’s two-run single were significant contributors.

“The top of the fifth inning would once again see the Redbirds plate five runs, this time on four hits, to balloon the lead to 15-5,” the report continued, with Hopkins’ two-run homer being a highlight.

Ella Boyer's fourth hit and Bella Wilkerson’s RBI groundout concluded the scoring, putting an emphatic end to the game. Up next, Illinois State will face Iowa on Tuesday for a non-conference match in Iowa City.

For more information and updates, fans can follow the Redbirds on their social media platforms.