Craig's Strong Performance Leads Redbirds Past Bears 6-1

[April 22, 2014]  SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Dylan Craig allowed only one run over seven innings to guide Illinois State (23-12, 6-5 MVC) to a 6-1 Valley win over Missouri State (17-18, 6-5 MVC) Saturday afternoon at Hammons Field. Illinois State outhit the Bears 13-3 to force a rubber match in the series Sunday.

Craig (5-1) struck out six, walked three and scattered three hits. Brock Stewart (1) worked the final two innings with one strikeout and one walk to secure his first collegiate save. Clay Murphy (2-3) allowed four runs on eight hits in five innings to suffer the defeat.

Paul DeJong paced the Redbird offense and matched a career high with four hits. He launched a two-run home run in the ninth inning and added a pair of doubles. Joe Kelch, making his first start since March 29, joined Sean Beesley, Dennis Colon and Brian Rodemoyer with two hits each.

The Redbirds rallied for three runs in the second inning to take an early lead. With one out, Stewart drew a walk and advanced to second on Kelch's single. Beesley followed with a bunt single to load with bases with one out. Down 1-2 in the count, Colon slapped a two-run single to right field. Rodemoyer plated Beesley on a fielder's choice to make it 3-0 Illinois State in the second inning.

Illinois State added a run on Jack Czeszewski's RBI fielder's choice in the fourth inning.

Leading 4-0 in the seventh inning, Missouri State mounted its biggest offensive threat of the game. Craig opened the frame with consecutive walks to Joey Hawkins and Dylan Becker. Craig retired Matt Dezort on a 5-3 groundout and then hit Alex Jefferson to load the bases for Tate Matheny. Matheny rolled over a ball for a run-scoring groundout. Craig then struck out Eric Cheray to end the threat.

DeJong's towering home run in the ninth inning extended the Redbird advantage to 6-1. Stewart fired the final two frames for the save.

Illinois State and Missouri State concluded the series Sunday afternoon, with Jeremy Rhoades starting for the Redbirds. (See report.)

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Box score   (PDF)

Overall statistics   (PDF)

[Text from news release received from Illinois State University]