Redbirds drop nonconference tilt 20-2 at Eastern Illinois

[April 04, 2013]  CHARLESTON -- The Illinois State Redbirds (12-14, 0-1 MVC) surrendered a season-high 20 runs, falling 20-2 at Eastern Illinois (7-18, 0-8 OVC) in Charleston on Wednesday afternoon. The loss marked the second straight defeat for the Redbirds.

Starting pitcher Jack Landwehr (2-1) did not make it out of the first inning, allowing six earned runs on four hits through his two-thirds of an inning pitched. EIU starter Jaden Widdersheim (2-3) earned the win and allowed two earned runs in four innings.

Illinois State used seven pitchers in game, with Steve Heilenbach, Matt Schmitt, Otto Roberts, Will Headean, Joe Claver and Cam Verbeke all appearing after Landwehr. Headean, Claver and Verbeke combined for three scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

Eastern Illinois rallied for six runs in the first inning and added five more in the second.

Illinois State scored its only runs in a two-run third inning. Kyle Stanton’s two-run hit scored Zac Johnson and Eric Aguilera, making the deficit 11-2.

Eastern batted around in an eight-run fifth inning, and the Redbirds hit into a triple play in the seventh inning.

Illinois State returns to Duffy Bass Field for a three-game Missouri Valley Conference series Friday through Sunday. First pitch on Friday is slated for 6 p.m. and opens a 13-game Redbird homestand.

[Text from news release received from Illinois State University]