Ashley Dickerson

GoSycamores.com

PEORIA, Ill. – Freshman Clay Dungan hit his first career home run as Indiana State (30-18, 9-7 MVC) took a second inning lead, could not hold on to overcome Bradley (24-17, 8-7 MVC). The Braves were able to come back and defeat the Sycamores, 5-3 in the series opener. Indiana State out-hit Bradley 7-6, but miscues in the field proved costly in late innings.

The Sycamores and Braves traded punches early on, as the Braves stroked a leadoff, solo shot in the bottom of the first to take the early 1-0 advantage. The Sycamores answered in the top of the second as sophomore Dane Giesler and junior Tony Rosselli singled on back-to-back at bats before Dungan hit his first career home run to go up on the Braves, 3-1.

Bradley fired back, scoring three runs after a Sycamore miscue in the field and reclaiming the lead over Indiana State, 4-3.

The Sycamores and Braves held each other scoreless for three straight innings until the Braves struck again in the sixth inning after successfully laying down a squeeze bunt, putting the Sycamores behind 5-3.

Both teams would hold each other scoreless after the sixth inning, as the Sycamores would drop the series opener, leaving seven on base.

Dungan finished the day leading the Sycamores as he sent his first career home run over the right field wall to plate all three of Indiana State's runs.

Indiana State will return to Dozer Park tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 p.m. ET to square off with the Braves in game two of the series. Game two can be seen on The Valley on ESPN3 and heard on WIBQ 1230 AM.