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 Zac Johnson reached first base on an error in the fourth inning,
setting up the two-run blast by Aguilera, which put the Redbirds
ahead 2-1 heading into the fifth inning. However, Southern
Illinois' Chris Serritella responded with a two-run home run of his
own, putting Illinois State behind 3-2.
Ty Wiesemeyer secured the Redbird win with his go-ahead RBI in the
fifth inning, giving Illinois State its second and final lead of the
game. Johnson followed with a sacrifice fly for his third RBI of the game,
giving ISU a little cushion heading into the sixth.
Starter Dylan Craig (7-2) pitched five innings, allowing eight hits,
three earned runs and a walk, while striking out two in the win for
the Redbirds. Closer Kenny Long pitched the final 2 1-3 innings, allowing just one hit, while striking out two. He picked up
his ninth save of the season, which tied the single-season saves
record that Long also matched in 2010. For Southern Illinois,
starter Cameron Maldonado pitched just 3 1-3 innings
before leaving the game with shoulder pain. Matt Murphy (2-4) was
credited with the loss after entering the game in relief for
Maldonado.
Offensively, Mike Hollenbeck (3 for 4) and Kyle Stanton (2 for 4)
each tallied a multi-hit game. Chad Hinshaw led off the game with a
single, extending his on-base streak to 21 games. In total, seven
different Redbirds picked up a hit in the win over the Salukis.
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Illinois State headed for the series sweep Sunday at 1 p.m.
against Southern Illinois. The Redbirds invited fans to come to
the game to celebrate BaseBald Day in support of the St.
Baldrick's Foundation, which promotes childhood cancer research.
Members of the team and coaching staff were to shave their heads
immediately following the game, having exceeded their $5,000
donation goal.
[Text from
news release received from Mike Williams, associate athletics
communications director, Illinois State University]
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