McLean County Times

Illinois State edged out a win against Iowa in an intense match on Tuesday in Iowa City. The game remained scoreless for nine innings before the Redbirds managed to push two runs across in the tenth inning, clinching a 2-1 victory over the Hawkeyes at Bob Pearl Field.

This victory marks Illinois State's first win over a Big Ten Conference opponent since defeating Illinois on April 18, 2023. The Redbirds have now won six of their last eight games.

Key offensive contributors included Julia Larson, who went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI, and Bella Wilkerson, who was 1-for-1 with an RBI. Their efforts, along with those of Abby Knight and Ella Boyer, proved crucial in the extra innings.

The pitching was crucial to keeping the game tied through nine innings. Gracelyn Kemp pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out three. Hannah Meeks picked up the win after 2.1 innings of relief, and Hannah Meshnick secured the save.

The Redbirds scored their first run in the tenth inning leveraging the international tie-breaker rule, with Adisyn Hopkins starting on second base. Hopkins advanced to third on a sacrifice and scored on Larson's single. Boyer and Wilkerson followed up with smart plays to extend the lead to 2-0.

The Hawkeyes fought back in the bottom of the tenth, narrowing the lead with a single. But Meshnick's timely strikeouts preserved the victory. Meshnick entered the game to strike out a key batter, then loaded the bases with a walk before sealing the win.

The Redbirds now prepare for a three-game series with Valparaiso in Indiana, starting this Friday at 3 p.m.

For more information on Illinois State Softball, fans can follow the team on their social media platforms or via GoRedbirds.com.