Illinois State split a doubleheader this afternoon with Valparaiso. The Redbirds defeated the Crusaders 12-6 in game one. The 'Birds fell in game two to the Crusaders 4-2. Illinois State took the series 2-1 over Valparaiso to open conference play.
Joe Aeilts finished the Saturday double-header 6-for-10 with three doubles, all in game one, two runs batted in and a run.
Jordan Libman was 3-for-5 with two doubles, three RBIs and a run in game one. John Rave hit a home run finishing 3-for-6, added a double and three runs in game one as well.
Matt Walker was terrific in game two despite taking the loss on the mound for ISU. He went seven innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with ten strikeouts to just one walk. Joe Butler was 2-for-3 in game two.
Illinois State will host Illinois on Tuesday at Duffy Bass Field. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.