By Illinois State Athletics
TAMPA, Fla. – The Illinois State softball team battled South Carolina in a pitchers’ duel, but fell 3-0 to the Gamecocks Sunday morning at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. The loss drops the Redbirds to 1-4 on the season.
Ali Domkuski made her first collegiate start in the circle and found herself in trouble in the first inning. South Carolina loaded the bases on two walks and a hit by pitch, but Domkuski fielded her position well, making all three outs to get out of the jam and keep the game scoreless.
Domkuski would have to work out of another bases loaded jam in the second inning, and did so with the help of two strikeouts. As the pitchers continued to duel, ISU put together its own threat in the fourth inning. Regan Romshek and Jordan de los Reyes each reached base to start the inning and Allison Spence walked two batters later. With one out and the bases loaded, South Carolina’s Nickie Blue retired the next two hitters to keep the game scoreless.
In the bottom of the frame, South Carolina broke the tie. Kamryn Watts singled with one out and Alaynie Page followed with a two-run home run to right-center field. The blast would be the only offense of the game, but it would be enough for the South Carolina pitching staff.
Blue and relief pitcher Jessica Elliott did not allow a hit for the final three innings and USC added a third run in the bottom of the sixth to win, 3-0. Blue picked up the win for South Carolina while Domkuski took the loss for the Redbirds.
Domkuski pitched five-plus innings and allowed two earned runs while striking out four and walking two. De los Reyes led the way offensively, finishing 2-for-2 with a pair of singles and a walk.
The Redbirds will travel to Tempe, Arizona, next weekend for five games at Arizona State. A full schedule can be found on GoRedbirds.com.
