T

he Illinois State baseball team was topped by host Southern Illinois in a game that featured a weather delay of two-and-a-half hours Sunday afternoon at Itchy Jones Stadium. The Redbirds rallied late, but Southern Illinois won by a 9-7 score to claim the rubber match in the three-game series.

Saturday's game was halted in the top of the fourth inning due to lightning. Southern Illinois held a 5-2 lead when the game was delayed, and was able to withstand the late Illinois State rally as the Redbirds brought the potential game-tying run to the plate in the top of the ninth inning.

ISU starter Jack Landwehr lasted just 1.2 innings after allowing five runs on seven hits and a walk. Jeffrey Barton turned in 1.1 innings of scoreless work, before giving way to Jake Sale, who allowed one run over the next two innings. Mitch Vogrin surrendered one run in the sixth inning, while Jack Czeszewski allowed two runs over two innings of work.

Mason Snyder and Brian Rodemoyer recorded two hits apiece in the loss. Ramirez collected Illinois State's only other hit.

Illinois State returns to Duffy Bass Field this week for five home games in six days. The Redbirds host Illinois Wesleyan on Tuesday and Webster on Wednesday, with both games beginning at 6 p.m. ISU will then host Missouri State in a three-game weekend series, beginning Friday.

Monticello graduate, Jacob Williams, threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing a hit with a pair of strikeouts.

Information courtesy of goredbirds.com.