TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State opened its series against Evansville with a hard-fought 5-3 win in game one on Tuesday afternoon at Price Field, but the Aces responded with a 6-0 victory in game two to even the series.
Game One: Indiana State 5, Evansville 3
The Sycamores took a thrilling 5-3 win over Evansville in game one of the series on Tuesday afternoon at Price Field.
The Sycamores came out strong in the bottom of the first inning, plating two runs. Madison Poulson and Morgan Goodrich led off with back-to-back singles, then executed a double steal to put themselves in scoring position.
After a flyout, Livi Colip delivered a clutch two-run double to right field, bringing in Poulson and Goodrich.
On the defensive side, Hailey Griffin was dominant in the first, recording 3 strikeouts after facing 3 batters.
Evansville responded in the top of the third, taking the lead with three runs on four hits. Bode and Warner both singled, followed by a base hit from Willsey to load the bases.
Adams then delivered a two-run double to center, cutting the Sycamores lead. Powell added a sacrifice bunt to score another run before Indiana State managed to escape further damage with a groundout.
The Sycamores reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the sixth, capitalizing on Evansville's defensive miscues.
After a strikeout, Brailey Mills was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on an error. Another error allowed Luci Kapelka to reach and score Mills.
With two outs, Madison Poulson came through with a clutch two-run single to left, plating Peyton Simmons and Annie Waggoner who pinch ran for Kapelka.
The Sycamores closed out the victory with Cassi Newbanks recording the save in the top of the seventh.
After relieving Griffin, Newbanks allowed a walk to Willsey but then saw Adams foul out.
Powell reached on a fielder's choice, and Meinel singled to right field. Newbanks remained composed, striking out Donohoo to secure the 5-3 win for the Sycamores.
Hailey Griffin earned the win for Indiana State, pitching 6.0 innings and allowing 7 hits, 3 runs, 3 walks, and striking out 5.
Cassi Newbanks picked up the save, pitching 1.0 inning, allowing 1 hit, and striking out 1 while facing 5 batters.
Madison Poulson and Morgan Goodrich each led the Sycamores offense with two hits, while Livi Colip added a double. Both Poulson and Colip drove in two RBIs, contributing significantly to the Sycamores victory.
Game Two: Evansville 6, Indiana State 0
Indiana State dropped the second game of its series against Evansville, falling 6-0 on Tuesday afternoon at Price Field.
Lauren Sackett started strong in the circle, striking out three batters in the first inning. However, Evansville broke through in the third, capitalizing on three hits and two errors to plate three runs.
Howe singled to lead off the inning, and Pye's bunt single, coupled with two Indiana State errors, allowed both runners to score. Adams later doubled to drive in Willsey, extending the Aces' lead to 3-0.
Evansville added three more runs in the fifth, highlighted by a three-run home run from Adams. Warner led off the inning with a single and eventually moved to third before Willsey drew a walk.
Adams then sent a ball over the fence to push the lead to six. Powell followed with a single but was caught stealing to end the frame.
The Sycamores recorded four hits in the contest, with Hannah Welch tripling in the second inning before being called out for leaving early. Madison Poulson, Livi Colip, and Lauren Marsicek each contributed singles.
Lauren Sackett (3-11) took the loss, pitching six innings while allowing six runs (three earned) on eight hits, striking out six, and walking one. Megan Asher worked a scoreless seventh inning, surrendering one hit while striking out one on 15 pitches.
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