By ISU Sports Information
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis starting pitcher Connor Alexander struck out nine over seven shutout innings to help the host Tigers earn a 3-1 victory and a series sweep of the Illinois State baseball team Sunday at FedEx Park.
Alexander retired 15-straight batters in a stretch between the first and sixth innings, while the Tigers scratched out runs in second, third and sixth innings, respectively, to support their starter.
Illinois State (2-4) had chances late. The Redbirds loaded the bases but failed to score in the seventh inning before plating their lone run of the game in the eighth, when Owen Miller’s single chased Bryce Grimm home. Illinois State sent two batters to the plate with a chance to tie the game in the ninth, but Memphis closer Colton Hathcock secured the win by recording his second save in three days.
“We tip our hats to Alexander. He’s the one pitcher we’ve faced this year that just seemed to have our number with his ability to mix up his pitches and keep the ball down,” said Illinois State head coach Bo Durkac. “But I’m very encouraged by what we saw on the mound today. The name of the game of baseball is pitching, and if we can pitch like that, and continue to scratch out five or six runs a game, we’ll be fine moving forward.”
Memphis (4-2) scored first on Sunday when Trent Turner’s two-out single to left field allowed Chris Carrier to score from second base in the second inning.
The Tigers added a run in the third on an RBI groundout from Tyler Webb and another in the sixth on an Alec Trela RBI single.
Miller’s 2-for-4 day made him the only Redbird with multiple hits. Rave reached twice with a hit and a walk.
Redbird starter Mitch Weis was solid, allowing two runs over four innings, while striking out five. Matt Walker pitched a 1-2-3 fifth inning before Brady Huffman allowed a run in the sixth. Colton Johnson and Trevor Cross finished out the game, each working a scoreless frame.
The Redbirds return action next weekend with a three-game series at Miami (Ohio).
