The Illinois State baseball team scored in the 2nd inning but fell, 4-2, against second-ranked Arkansas in the series rubber match on Sunday at Baum-Walker Stadium in front of more than 10,400 fans.

The Redbirds (1-2) stranded six runners in the first four innings as the Razorbacks (2-1) held ISU to 0-6 with runners in scoring position and 1-for-13 with runners on base for the game.

Third-year sophomore Ryan Cermak smacked a solo home run in the 8th inning to bring the Redbirds back to within one.

In the 2nd inning, fifth-year senior Nick Gile grounded home third-year sophomore Adrian Flores to put the 'Birds up, 1-0.

In his first career start, fourth-year junior Derek Salata provided three scoreless innings to start the game, but the Razorbacks tied it in the 4th inning before plating two runs in the 5th inning.

Fifth-year junior Jared Hart escaped the two-out, bases-loaded jam in the 5th inning en route to recorded six outs without allowing a run and fanning three.

Cermak got the 'Birds to within 3-2 but Arkansas added a run in the 8th inning.

First-year freshman JP Gauthier recorded his first career hit in the 9th inning, but the Redbirds were unable to cut the deficit.

The Redbirds head to Cullowhee, North Carolina for a three-game set against Western Carolina starting Friday afternoon.