McLean County Times

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State secured an 8-4 victory against Missouri State on Thursday night in the first game of a three-game series, held at Marian Kneer Stadium. The Redbirds accumulated 15 hits and managed to score in all but two innings. This win marks the Redbirds' sixth consecutive victory and their eighth win in the last ten games.

The offensive charge was led by Bella Wilkerson, Julia Larson, and Lexie Griffin, each delivering three hits. Abby Knight contributed with two RBIs, while Addison Masching and Delainey Bryant added significant scores.

Hannah Meshnick, who secured her ninth win of the season, pitched six innings allowing nine hits and four earned runs. Hannah Meeks closed the game with a scoreless seventh inning.

Illinois State took an early lead with an RBI from Masching in the first inning. The Redbirds regained and maintained their lead in the fourth inning when Wilkerson's RBI tied the game, followed by Horton scoring on a wild pitch. They further expanded their lead in the fifth inning with a four-run burst.

The Redbirds will host a doubleheader against Missouri State on Friday, starting at 11 a.m. For updates, follow Illinois State Softball on social media and visit GoRedbirds.com.