PEORIA, Ill. – Indiana State fell short offensively, suffering a 3-0 loss to Bradley in Game 3 of the series on Saturday afternoon.
The Sycamores were held off by Bradley, losing 3-0 in Game 3 of the series. Indiana State couldn't overcome an early deficit and struggled offensively, recording just three hits. Luci Kapelka led the charge, going 2-for-2, while Lauren Marsicek added the third hit for the Sycamores.
The Braves struck early, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. After a groundout to start the inning, Breeding singled to right, and an error allowed Badgley to reach base, sending Breeding to third.
Turner followed with a single to right, bringing Breeding home for the first run of the game.
Two consecutive walks loaded the bases, and Schlosser walked to bring in Badgley, extending Bradley's lead to 2-0. Megan Asher then entered in relief of Cassi Newbanks, who had faced 7 batters in 0.2 innings, allowing 2 hits, 2 unearned runs, and 2 walks.
The inning ended with a popout, but the Braves had capitalized with 2 runs on 2 hits, 1 error, and left 3 runners stranded.
The Sycamores threatened in the top of the third when Luci Kapelka recorded a single up the middle, but she was later thrown out at second as Saylor reached first. Despite the momentum, Indiana State was unable to capitalize on the scoring opportunity.
In the fourth, Lauren Marsicek led off with a single, but the Braves quickly shut down the Sycamores' rally, getting the next three outs to strand Marsicek at first.
Kapelka came through again in the fifth with a single to center, but the Sycamores could not push across any runs.
Megan Asher kept the Sycamores in the game with a strong 3.1 innings of relief. She faced 15 batters, allowing just 2 hits, 3 walks, and no runs.
Lauren Sackett entered in the bottom of the fifth and worked with the defense to retire the side, leaving 2 Braves stranded.
Bradley added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth to extend their lead to 3-0. After a groundout, DeRolf reached base on a throwing error. Breeding followed with a double to left-center, bringing DeRolf home for the unearned run.
Despite the loss, the Sycamores secured the weekend series 2-1, with a doubleheader sweep on Friday, earning wins of 3-2 and 4-0.
Up Next:
The Sycamores will play their final midweek non-conference game of the season on Tuesday, April 22, at Eastern Illinois, with first pitch set for 6 p.m. ET.
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