Freshman Thomas Harper and fourth-year Cameron Mabee recorded 26 outs before allowing a run in Illinois State's 6-1 win over Western Illinois to open the Redbirds' home slate.

Harper recorded his first career win after throwing 5.2 innings with six strikeouts while Mabee tallied his first save of the season after throwing 3.1 innings and allowing one run.

The Redbirds (6-8 overall), despite scoring six runs, had just one run-scoring hit as fourth-year junior Greg Nichols doubled home a run in the 8th inning.

Western Illinois drops to 3-13.