Normal, Ill. – Bradley Baseball dropped the series finale to Illinois State, 8-5.

A Back-and-Forth Battle
Bradley jumped out early in the series finale, building a 4-0 lead through the first three innings. RBI efforts from Luke Skinner, River Lindsey, Sohrab Rezaei, and Jaxon Schumacher powered the Braves' fast start. Illinois State answered in the middle innings, scoring in five consecutive frames from the third through the seventh. A three-run fifth inning proved to be the turning point, as the Redbirds took control of the game. Bradley added a run in the sixth, but could not find the timely hit late to even the score.

Standout Performances for Bradley
River Lindsey led the Braves offensively, going 1-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI. Landon Lowe, Luke Skinner, Michael Quick, and AJ Garcia each recorded a hit. Rezaei added an RBI and reached base via walk, continuing his consistent production at the top of the lineup.

On the Mound
Josh Vaughn started and went 3.1 innings, allowing three runs, two earned, with three strikeouts. Calen Scheider was charged with the loss in relief after allowing three runs. Ryan Schaffnit provided 3.2 innings out of the bullpen, allowing two runs and striking out two. 

Standout Performances for Illinois State
Brayden Bakes paced Illinois State, finishing 3-for-5 with a home run, two doubles, and three RBIs. Michael Carrano added two hits and an RBI, while Eric Machej drove in two runs. Thomas Harper earned the win in relief, tossing 3.1 innings with six strikeouts.