Softball: DePaul downs Illinois State 6-1

[April 12, 2012]  NORMAL -- The Illinois State softball team avoided being no-hit in the sixth inning but couldn't avoid defeat, as the Redbirds fell 6-1 to DePaul in a nonconference game Wednesday at Marian Kneer Stadium. The Redbirds wore pink uniforms in support of cancer awareness in the "Strike Out Cancer" promotion.

The Redbirds (22-18) fell behind early, as DePaul (22-12) posted four runs in its first at-bat. The Blue Demons batted around in the first inning and collected five hits in the frame, all off ISU starter Megan Warner.

DePaul added another run in the top of the fourth inning when Ali Warren clubbed her first home run of the season. The Blue Demon long ball chased Warner from the game.

Warner took the loss for ISU and fell to 8-6 on the season. She pitched three innings and allowed six hits and five earned runs. Sophia Perez came on in relief for the Redbirds and threw four innings, allowing one run on five hits.

Illinois State remained hitless until the sixth inning, when Jhavon Hamilton singled to center field. Hamilton scored on the next at-bat, as Lauren Kellar doubled up the middle.

The Redbirds were not able to generate any more offense, as Kirsten Verdun kept the ISU bats at bay. Verdun improved to 15-6 on the season with the complete game. She allowed only two hits and struck out seven.

Illinois State will continue its seven-game homestand on Saturday, when the Redbirds host Drake in a Missouri Valley Conference doubleheader. The first game is scheduled to start at noon.

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[Text from news release received from Illinois State University]