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SPRINGFIELD – A four-run fifth inning by Illinois State pushed the visiting Redbirds past Missouri State, 10-2, here Saturday in the opening game of a three-game Missouri Valley Conference softball series.
 
After falling behind early, the Bears (8-13, 1-2 MVC) made it a one-run game in the home half of the fourth on consecutive hits from Olivia Krehbiel, McKenzie Vaughan and Madison Hunsaker. Vaughan's single to center got the Bears on the board to score Krehbiel, while Hunsaker's double off the left field wall brought home pinch runner Kat Taylor to make it a 3-2 contest.
 
Hunskaer, who also started in the circle for MSU, then left the game, and the Redbirds broke things open in the top of the fifth. ISU (10-13, 1-0) greeted reliever Vaughan with a pair of walks and a bunt single to load the bases before a ground ball and a pair of MSU errors brought three across. ISU then scored again on a single from pinch hitter Chloe Jefferson to push ahead 7-2.
 
Trying to keep the score within reach, the Bears appeared to pull off a thrilling double play in the top of the sixth with the bases loaded. After a fly ball off the bat of Emme Olson was caught by Annie Mueller, the MSU right fielder fired a strike to catcher Alex Boze at the plate to tag out Kalli Chval. After a video review, the Redbirds were awarded the run on obstruction, opening the door for three more Redbird runs in the frame. Mueller would avenge the play later in the inning to gun out a runner at third to end the inning, but not before ISU built its lead to 10-2.
 
All of MSU's hits came in the two-run fourth inning before ISU starter Hannah Ross (6-5) struck out four of the last six she faced to end the game with the run rule after six. She walked one in a complete-game effort.

Hunsaker (2-3) allowed just 2 earned runs in 4.0 innings of work before departing, strking out 5 and walking a pair while scattering 3 hits.
 
The same teams will be back at it Sunday with a doubleheader at Killian Stadium starting at Noon. Admission is free, and all fans are encouraged to wear maroon as part of the "Maroon Out" promotion.