Redbirds win Sunday, take 3 of 4 from Bowling Green

[March 18, 2013]  NORMAL -- Brad Sorkin struck out a career-high eight batters and tied a career best with eight innings of work, as Illinois State (9-9, 0-0 MVC) won the series finale against Bowling Green (4-12, 0-0 MAC) 6-3 Sunday afternoon at the Corn Crib. The Redbirds took three of four games from the Falcons during the nonconference series.

Brock Stewart led Illinois State's offense with a 3-for-4 performance, including one run scored. Meanwhile, Brett Kay collected a team-best three RBIs on a three-run home run, which was his second of the weekend. For the Falcons, Brandon Howard led the way with a 2-for-4 effort and one RBI.

Sorkin (4-1) earned the victory, while Bowling Green starter Trevor Blaylock (0-4) suffered the loss. Illinois State's Jeremy Rhoades recorded the Redbirds' final two outs for his first career save.

ISU jumped out to an early 1-0 lead when Zac Johnson scored following a Stewart single and a fielding error on the Bowling Green right fielder. The Redbirds added to their advantage with two more runs in the fourth inning. Stewart scored from second base on a throwing error by Bowling Green's shortstop. Daniel Dwyer, who reached on the error, then came home on a double by Marshall Vallandingham.

The Falcons responded with their first run of the game in the top of the eighth inning, followed by Kay's three-run homer in the bottom of the frame to increase ISU's advantage to 6-1. Bowling Green plated two more runs in the top of the ninth, but Rhodes recorded the final two outs to secure Illinois State's season-best, third straight victory.

The Redbirds are next scheduled to play nonconference foe SIU Edwardsville on Tuesday at 3 p.m.

___

Game stats

Season stats

[Text from news release received from Illinois State University]