By Zach Wadley/Illinois State University Athletics Media Relations
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Riley Strandgard recorded two hits, but the Illinois State softball team was shutout for the second time this weekend, losing 5-0 to Southern Illinois Saturday afternoon in Carbondale, Illinois. SIU outscored the Redbirds 10-1 over the course of three games.
The offense struggled from the beginning as Strandgard recorded ISU’s only hit through the first three innings. Meanwhile, Southern Illinois used two ISU errors and a wild pitch to push a run across in the bottom of the second against Redbird starter Ali Domkuski. Domkuski had worked out of a bases loaded jam in the first inning.
Leading 1-0, Shaye Harre drew a walk to lead off the third inning, which was followed by a Jessica Heese double. With runners at second and third and nobody out, ISU brought in Regan Romshek to pitch. Merri Ann Patterson doubled to bring in one run and a 2-RBI single from Jessa Thomas made it 4-0 SIU.
The Redbird offense was retired in order in the fourth, but threatened in the fifth inning. Jordan de los Reyes walked and Alex Caliva singled with one out, but SIU’s Brianna Jones struck out the next two batters to retire the side. De los Reyes was the only ISU runner to reach second base.
Harre capped the SIU scoring with a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Redbirds recorded three hits in the game and committed four errors. SIU tallied nine hits and left 10 on base.
Strandgard led the offense, finishing 2-for-3 at the plate. The Redbirds used three pitchers in the game and each pitcher threw two innings. Sarah Finck was the most effective, pitching two innings of one-hit ball while striking out two and walking one.
SIU’s Brianna Jones picked up her 15th win of the season, pitching seven innings and allowing three hits, while striking out three and walking none. The shutout was Jones’ eight of the season, which leads the nation.
This is the first time either of the teams have swept each other since 2005. The loss gives Illinois State an overall record of 9-21 and an 0-4 record in the MVC.
After 30 games on the road, the Redbirds will enjoy an 11-game homestand beginning Wednesday against DePaul. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Marian Kneer Stadium.
