Redbirds ride win streak to RussMatt Invite

[March 09, 2012]  WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- Illinois State brings a seven-game winning streak into the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational, where the Redbirds will play Maine on Friday, Western Michigan on Saturday and Iowa on Sunday.

ISU (7-3) has swept back-to-back series, including last weekend's three-game sweep at Southeast Missouri State. The Redbird offense is now averaging 9.9 runs per game, which ranks third in NCAA Division I baseball. ISU has also belted 15 home runs this season, which is the sixth-highest total in the nation.

The Redbirds begin invitational play against Maine, in hopes of extending their winning streak to the longest stretch since ISU won nine in a row in 1987.

"We look forward to getting to Florida for spring break," said Illinois State head coach Mark Kingston. "We will be playing some great teams in some great stadiums. As always, our goals will be to continue improving and competing at the highest level."

After ISU opens its 10-day, eight-game spring break trip this weekend, the Redbirds will play midweek games at No. 13 Miami and South Florida, before wrapping up against Navy and Army next weekend at the RussMatt Invitational.

The Redbirds will stay with their rotation of Chris Razo (1-1) on Friday, Brad Sorkin (1-1) on Saturday and Dylan Craig (1-0) on Sunday.

America East Conference member Maine (4-6), will counter in Friday's game with Stephen Perakslis (2-2). The Black Bears are led by Colin Gay, who is hitting .410 with two doubles, one home run and six RBIs.

Western Michigan (4-7), out of the Mid-American Conference, has not announced its Saturday starter. Troy Forton leads the Bronco scoring attack with a .342 batting average.

Big Ten Conference affiliate Iowa (3-6) is scheduled to start Matt Dermody (0-1). The Hawkeyes are led by Jacob Yacinich's .391 average.

ISU's weekend series begins Friday at 1 p.m. Central time.

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See Redbird game notes.

[Text from file received from Illinois State]