April 4, 2009
Final Stats
WICHITA, Kan. - Mike Stalowy collected hits in each of his final three at-bats but couldn't help Illinois State overcome 14 hits by Wichita State in a, 10-5, loss to the Shockers at Eck Stadium Saturday afternoon.
Stalowy finished the game 3-for-5 with a pair of runs scored, including one of three runs tallied by Illinois State (13-8, 4-2 MVC) in the eighth to cut the Shocker lead to three, but a consistent offensive attack by Wichita State (16-11, 2-1 MVC) proved too much.
Wichita State scored runs in six of eight innings and built a 5-1 lead by the third. Illinois State starter Ryan Copeland retired the Shockers in order in the first inning but surrendered five runs on six hits over the second and third. Copeland was tagged for eight runs - seven earned - on 12 hits in seven innings pitched. Copeland struck out seven batters and didn't allow a walk.
Wichita State starter Charlie Lowell kept the Redbirds at bay for five innings and improved to 4-1 on the season as he struck out six and scattered three hits over five innings. Lowell gave up just one earned run and left in the sixth with a 7-2 lead.
Evan Kohli went 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI for the Redbirds and Jake Thornton tallied two hits, scored a run and drove in another.
Five Shockers finished with multiple hits, including Taylor Brown and Clinton McKeever who each had three. Ryan Jones and Chris O'Brien hit home runs for Wichita State.
The teams will play a decisive series finale Sunday with the first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. at Eck Stadium. Illinois State will start Corey Maines (5-1, 2.68 ERA) against Jordan Cooper (4-2, 3.00 ERA).
