 Three Redbirds collected two hits and Zac Johnson drove in a pair of
runs as Illinois State outhit Belmont 10-6. Drew Ferguson paced the
Bruins with two hits and two RBIs, and Judah Akers collected a
game-tying solo home run for Belmont.Will Headean (0-2) made his
first collegiate start and was handed the loss, allowing five earned
runs in 6 1/3 innings. Headean struck out five, walked three and
allowed four hits. At one point, he retired eight consecutive
Bruins. Jessie Snodgrass (1-0) earned the victory in relief, working
two innings of one-run ball. He struck out two and allowed three
hits. Scott Moses (1) collected the save in the ninth.
Illinois State took an early lead, scoring twice in the top of
the third inning. With two outs and the bases empty, Chad Hinshaw
and Brett Kay collected consecutive singles. They then advanced on a
double steal and scored on Johnson's two-run single to right field.
Those were the only runs allowed by Belmont starter Chase
Brookshire, who pitched six innings, struck out six and walked one.
He left with a no-decision.
Belmont added one run in the fourth inning without collecting a
hit. Akers opened the frame with a walk and later scored on a
sacrifice fly from designated hitter Neil Hickman.
Akers tied the game in the bottom of the sixth inning, connecting
on a solo home run off Headean.
[to top of second column] |
In the bottom of the seventh inning, Headean retired the
first batter he faced, and Scott Moses reached on a single.
Joseph Stovall then bunted the ball on the right side of the
infield, where Kyle Stanton's throw to first sailed high,
allowing runners to advance to second and third. Headean left
the game after walking Jamie Ritchie to load the bases.
Matt Schmitt came on in relief and surrendered a two-run double
to Ferguson, making it 4-2 Belmont. Following a hit-by-pitch,
Schmitt left the game for Jeremy Rhoades. Akers lifted a sacrifice
fly off Rhoades to make it 5-2 before Rhoades closed the seventh
inning.
Rhoades collected the first out in the eighth and David Suarez
finished the scoreless frame.
Illinois State added one final run in the eighth inning. Johnson
reached on a hit-by-pitch and advanced to second base on Aguilera's
single. Stanton lifted an RBI double to center field to pull ISU
within two, 5-3.
In the ninth inning, Scott Moses allowed one hit before retiring
Hinshaw to end the game.
Game two of the series takes place Saturday with a 2 p.m. first
pitch. Dan Savas counters Alex Coley.
[Text from
news release received from
Illinois State University] |
