Sorkin's pitching, Johnson's slam lead Redbirds to 14-3 victory over
Belmont
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[March 04, 2013]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Brad Sorkin matched a career high with eight
innings pitched, and Zac Johnson connected on a grand slam as
Illinois State (3-6) defeated Belmont (9-3) 14-3 Sunday afternoon at
E.S. Rose Park. The Redbirds snapped a six-game losing streak and
set season highs for runs and hits.
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Sorkin (2-1) earned his first victory since Feb. 15, working eight
innings. He allowed three runs, two earned, on four hits, collecting
four strikeouts with four walks. At one point Sorkin retired 12
consecutive batters. James Buckelew (1-1) suffered the loss for
Belmont, allowing seven runs, five earned, on five hits in 3 1/3
innings. Buckelew struck out five and walked four. Illinois State
drew a season-best 10 walks in the game.
Brett Kay reached base four times and scored three runs, Eric
Aguilera had three RBIs, and Johnson added a grand slam as Illinois
State collected 15 hits. Brock Stewart had three hits and Chad
Hinshaw stole two bases for ISU. Judah Akers had two RBIs for the
Bruins.
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Kay reached on an error to open the game, stole second and advanced
to third on a wild pitch. He scored the first run of the day on
Aguilera's two-out RBI single. The Redbirds added an unearned run in
the third inning, following Stewart's leadoff single.
The Redbirds sent 11 batters to the plate in a five-run fourth
inning. Hinshaw opened the frame by reaching on an error and
promptly stole second and third bases. He scored on Brian
Rodemoyer's first career single, making it 3-0 ISU. Kay drew a walk
and Jack Czeszewski reached on a hit-by-pitch, loading the bases for
Johnson, who launched the first pitch he saw over the right-field
fence for a grand slam. Buckelew was chased from the game after
walking Aguilera.
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Illinois State added a pair of runs in the fifth inning off Belmont
reliever Jordan Deal. Czeszewski and Johnson reached, setting up a
two-run double from Aguilera, giving Illinois State a 9-0 lead.
Belmont scored twice in the sixth inning and added one run in the
eighth.
The Redbirds tallied five runs in the eighth inning. Stewart
collected a two-run double and the Redbirds scored three runs when
the Bruins' leftfielder dropped a pop fly with the bases loaded and
Johnson batting.
Razo struck out the side in the ninth to preserve the win.
The Redbirds travel to SIUE for a midweek matchup Tuesday. First
pitch is slated for 3 p.m.
[Text from
news release received from
Illinois State University]
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