Redbird baseball falls to Milwaukee in record 18-inning game

Posted on March 21, 2016

Jean Ramirez drove in Illinois State’s only run with a double in the 17th inning in a 4-1 loss to Milwaukee in 18 innings. (Photo courtesy GoRedbirds.com)

By ISU Sports Information

NORMAL – The Illinois State and Milwaukee baseball teams played the longest known game in the history of both programs, as the visiting Panthers outlasted the Redbirds in a game that was scoreless for the first 16 innings Sunday at Duffy Bass Field. Milwaukee won, 4-1, in 18 innings.

Milwaukee (7-11) scored the first run of the game on a home run by Cole Heili to lead off the top of the 17th inning. The Redbirds rallied back to tie the game in the bottom of the frame when Jean Ramirez hit a two-out double to score Owen Miller from first base. Ramirez was cut down trying to score the game-winning run, however, as he attempted to score from second base on Blake Molitor’s single to left field.

The game did not remain tied for long, though, as Milwaukee scored three runs off Redbird reliever Jeffrey Barton in the top of the 18th. The Redbirds were unable to mount another comeback in the bottom of the inning as Milwaukee finished off a three-game sweep.

Illinois State (7-12) starter David Meade gave the Redbirds six shutout innings in his second-straight scoreless outing. Meade allowed just two hits and three walks, while striking out seven. Rhett Rapshus (two innings), Jack Czeszewski (one inning), Jack Landwehr (one inning), Jake Sale (two innings) and Mitch Vogrin (four innings) continued the scoreless streak before Barton allowed all four of Milwaukee’s runs. Jeff Lindgren came on to get the final two outs in the 18th inning.

Ramirez was the only Redbird player to record multiple hits, as the senior catcher collected two of Illinois State’s five hits.

The Redbirds will play at Duffy Bass Field on Tuesday to face off against Illinois. First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m.

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