Redbirds split doubleheader at Wichita State, drop series

[April 01, 2013]  WICHITA, Kan. -- Dan Savas fired seven innings of two-run ball as Illinois State (12-13, 1-2 MVC) won game one of a doubleheader at Wichita State (16-12, 2-1 MVC) 7-2 Saturday afternoon at Eck Stadium. In game two, the Shockers run-ruled ISU, winning 12-2 in eight innings.

Savas (3-0) matched a career high with seven innings pitched, yielding two earned runs on four hits. He struck out eight and walked three. Steve Heilenbach allowed an unearned run on one hit, and Jeremy Rhoades (2) secured the save, striking out two batters over one scoreless inning. Wichita State starter Kris Garner (1-4) was chased from the game after five innings and allowed three earned runs on six hits. He struck out two and walked one.

The Redbirds never trailed in game one, scoring twice in the opening frame. Brett Kay opened the game with a leadoff triple and scored on Chad Hinshaw's sacrifice fly.

Zac Johnson launched his team-leading fifth home run, a solo shot to right field, with one out in the third inning to give Illinois State a 3-1 lead. The Redbirds added two runs in the sixth inning and two more in the eighth to put the game away.

Johnson and Mike Hollenbeck each had two hits to lead the ISU offensive attack, while Hinshaw had two RBIs.

In game two, Wichita State rallied for five runs on five hits in the opening inning off Brad Sorkin (4-3). The senior right-hander had his shortest outing of the season, allowing eight earned runs in two innings to suffer the loss. Will Headean, Jack Landwehr and David Suarez combined to throw 6 1/3 innings of two-run ball in relief. Shockers starter A.J. Ladwig (3-2) picked up the victory, allowing two earned runs in 5 2/3 innings.

The Shockers led 8-0 after three innings and added two runs in the seventh and two runs in the eighth to run-rule Illinois State. The Redbirds scored twice in the sixth inning, as Eric Aguilera and Mike Hollenbeck collected RBIs. Illinois State left eight men on base in defeat.

The Redbirds travel to Charleston for a midweek contest at Eastern Illinois on Wednesday. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m.

[Text from news release received from Illinois State University]