By Illinois State University Athletics Media Relations
NORMAL, Ill. – Milwaukee scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning to turn a two-run deficit into a one-run lead, and won its second game in as many days over the Illinois State baseball team at Duffy Bass Field. Milwaukee won Saturday’s contest, 4-3.
Milwaukee (6-11) chased Redbird starter Steve Heilenbach in the top of the ninth inning after the senior left-hander allowed three-straight hits to start the inning. An error and a wild pitch aided Milwaukee’s comeback, and the visiting Panthers scored the game-winning run on a suicide squeeze from Cole Heili that scored pinch runner Chris Kelly.
Illinois State (7-11) then went quietly in the ninth, as all three Redbird batters to step to the plate struck out looking.
The Panthers got on the scoreboard first Saturday, when the Redbirds traded a run for a double-play ball in the second inning. The Redbirds tied it in the bottom of the third when Daniel Dwyer’s sacrifice fly plated Tyler Paulsen.
Joe Kelch gave the Redbirds the lead with a solo homer to lead off the bottom of the fourth. An RBI single from Jared Hendren moments later scored Owen Miller to extend the Redbird lead to 3-1.
Neither team scored again until the ninth inning, when the Panthers mounted their rally. Daulton Varsho opened the inning with a triple for the Panthers. Luke Meeteer followed with a single to score Varsho. A single and a throwing error by Miller put the potential go-ahead run on second base with no outs, and forced Heilenbach from the game. Meeteer later scored on a passed ball and Milwaukee pushed across the winning run on a suicide squeeze.
The Redbirds were unable to answer in the bottom of the frame, as Jean Ramirez. Hendren and Derek Parola went down in order against Milwaukee closer Jake Sommers.
Kelch and Ramirez led the Redbird offense Saturday, as both went 2-for-4. Kelch’s home run was his second of the season. Hendren went 1-for-4 with an RBI.
Heilenbach suffered his first loss of the season after pitching eight innings and giving up four runs, three of which were earned. Jack Landwehr recorded the final three outs for Illinois State, but allowed two inherited runners to score.
The Redbirds will return to Duffy Bass Field Sunday for the final game of a three-game series against Milwaukee. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. Links for live video, audio and stats are available at GoRedbirds.com, and fans can receive live updates via Twitter, by following @RedbirdBaseball.
