PEORIA, Ill. – The Braves were able to complete the series sweep against the Missouri State Bears, for the first time since the 2022 season.
Game 1
After a rainout on Friday, the Braves and Bears played a doubleheader on Saturday. In the first of two games, the Braves no-hit the Bears and took the game 3-0.
Sydney Kennedy was on the mound and recorded her first no-hitter in a Braves uniform, and the first no-hitter at home for the Braves since 1994. In 7.0 innings of work, she had 10 strikeouts, which is tied for her most in a single game this season.
"Nothing is ever expected in this game, but the confidence our ball club has in Sydney when she takes the mound comes super close," said Head Coach Sarah Willis. "Very proud to be apart and watch her throw a no hitter against a top conference opponent."
Offensively, the Braves got on the board with a RBI double by Kennedy to go up 1-0. Right after, Austin Comstock hit a 2-run HR to put the Braves up 3-0.
Game 2
In the second game of the doubleheader, the Braves exploded for a 5 run sixth inning.
Abbott Badgley picked up her fourth win of the season in the comeback victory for the Braves. In 7.0 innings pitched, Badgley recorded 4 strikeouts.
"Abbott has grown so much and has such a high ceiling," said Sarah Willis. "Her composure is one of the best things about her and her stamina to compete in pressure situations is hard to find."
Missouri State got on the board early to take the lead, 3-0. It wasn't until the fourth inning that the Braves were able to score on a Bailey Sample double which was then followed by an RBI single by Ashley Breeding.
The Braves' bats exploded for 5 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning started by an RBI single by Ashley Breeding.
Game 3
In the final game of the series, the Braves had yet another comeback win, this time in walk-off fashion.
The Braves offense came alive in the bottom of the seventh inning, started by Addison Pettit with an RBI single. Addie Welsh was able to break the tie with a 2-RBI single to walk it off for Bradley.
Sydney Kennedy recorded her 100th strikeout on the season and also secured her 11th win.
"Kennedy continues to find ways to help us win in the circle and at the plate," said Sarah Willis. "It was not a normal day for her today in the circle with some zone challenges but she got it done and not surprising she is already at 100 Ks on the season."
Coming Up…
The Braves will travel to Bloomington for a midweek matchup against Illinois State on Mar. 26th at 5 p.m.
