Box Score
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville softball team dropped the series opener against Illinois State by a score of 8-0 in five innings today at James and Dorothy Cooper Stadium. The Aces (9-31, 3-10) will return to the field tomorrow to wrap up the series with a doubleheader against the Redbirds. First pitch is slated for 11:00 CDT.
Game Recap: UE 0, Illinois State 8 (5 innings)
The Redbirds snagged an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Freshman starter Taylor Perry issued two straight walks to put runners on the bags for Illinois State. After back-to-back fielder’s choice plays, the Aces were one out from ending the inning, but Lauren Kellar was able to advance to home on a passed ball, scoring Illinois State’s first run of the game. A double by Liz Andrews brought in the Redbirds’ second run before the inning ended.
Three hits in the top of the third added three more runs to the Redbirds’ lead. With two outs in the top of the fourth inning, Elizabeth Kay hit a two-run home run to extend Illinois State’s lead to 7-0.
A pinch-hit groundout by Shelby Music in the top of the fifth was good enough to plate the final run for the Redbirds as Illinois State secured the 8-0 mercy rule win.
Senior Jen Stahlhut notched the Aces’ only hit of the game, belting a single through the right side in the bottom of the third inning.
Perry (1-7) was given the loss on the mound, allowing seven runs on eight hits in 3.2 innings of work. Jordan Birch improves to 11-2 for the Redbirds, picking up seven strikeouts in the shut out.
