April 7, 2013

Box Score

NORMAL, Ill. - The Missouri State softball team (15-20, 6-5) couldn't rebound from a rough first inning and eventually fell to Illinois State (17-15, 3-3) in the series finale in six innings, 9-1. The Bears offense was only able to muster two hits off of ISU pitcher Taylor Baxter.

MSU had pitchers Chelsea Jones and Rachel Brisker throw in the game. Jones picked up two strikeouts in her four innings. Brisker also struck out two in 1.1 innings.

The Bears got a runner on base against Redbird pitching in the top of the first innings for the 11th time in 15 to begin the series. Ashley Brentz extended her hitting streak to five games with a first inning infield single. She has now hit safely in 15 of the last 17 games for MSU.

The Redbirds batted around in the bottom of the first inning, jumping in front 5-0. MSU pitcher Chelsea Jones settled in and faced just three batters in the second inning, aided by catcher Stacia Boeckstiegel's seventh runner caught stealing to end the frame.

In the Bears' third inning, Caitlin Chapin drew a leadoff walk. Boecksteiegel reached on a fielder's choice and pinch runner Ali Trickey moved to second on a groundout by Amber Dreher. A passed ball allowed Trickey to advance to third and she easily scored from there on a double to left-center by Kirstin Cutter.

The Redbirds added two runs in the fourth, another in the fifth and completed the win with a run in the sixth.

MSU returns home for a Tuesday contest versus Central Arkansas at 5:00 p.m. at Killian Stadium before setting out for a six-game road swing. The Bears play at Arkansas on Wednesday (6:00 p.m.) and then head to SIU for a weekend series next Saturday and Sunday.