NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State rallied for three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to swing the advantage to the Redbirds and the Sycamores were unable to answer late as Indiana State fell in the Saturday afternoon contest, 6-4, to even the weekend series.
 
Indiana State (17-18, 7-4) went ahead 3-2 in the top of the fourth inning after Jeremy Martinez followed Colin Sander's triple with an RBI single to left field and Weston Fulk singled home Nomar Garcia to put the Sycamores in the lead.
 
The Redbirds (22-13, 6-5) responded with Ryan Bakes' RBI single in the bottom of the fifth inning to tie the game up, before Illinois State broke the game open in the sixth. Louis Bussard, Camden Karczewski, and Josh Outlaw all drove in RBIs over the three-run sixth inning as Illinois State chased Sycamore starter Ty Brooks (5-2) to take the lead.
 
The Sycamores rallied back in the top of the seventh inning as Carter Beck connected on a one-out double to right field and Emil Estrella singled him over to third to put runners on the corners. Estrella stole second base to put both runners in scoring position for Caden Miller and the Sycamore designated hitter delivered with an RBI single to center field scoring Beck. However, Indiana State ran themselves out of the inning on the play as Estrella was caught in a rundown at the plate and Illinois State pitcher Carson Cormier (2-1) was able to retire Nick Sutherlin on strikes to limit the damage.
 
Indiana State put runners on the bases in both the eighth and ninth innings against Illinois State closer Reece Clapp (S, 7), but the Sycamores were unable to string together the needed hits to close the gap and keep the game alive.
 
Colin Sander and Emil Estrella both finished with multi-hit games for Indiana State and both players tripled in the contest to highlight the Sycamore offense. Carter Beck added a double, while Caden Miller drove in two RBIs in the loss.
 
Ty Brooks took the loss on Saturday afternoon allowing six hits and five runs (four earned), while walking four and striking out one in 5.0 innings. Jack Armstrong and Colby Morse combined to pitch the final 3.0 innings to close out the contest.
 
Ryan Bakes led the Illinois State offense with three RBIs, including a two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning, to highlight the Redbirds attack.
 
Carson Cormier allowed four hits and a run over 2.0 innings in relief of starter Michael Addari in securing his second win of the season. Addari posted seven strikeouts over 5.0 innings on the mound, while Reece Clapp worked 2.0 scoreless frames to close out the game.
 
How They Scored

• Caden Miller put the Sycamores ahead in the top of the third inning as he followed Emil Estrella's one-out triple down the right field line with an RBI sacrifice fly to right field to give Indiana State the 1-0 lead.
• The Redbirds answered in the bottom of the third inning as Ryan Bakes connected on a two-run home run over the left field wall to put Illinois State up 2-1.
• Indiana State retook the lead in the top of the fourth inning as Jeremy Martinez singled home Colin Sander and Weston Fulk connected on an RBI single bringing Nomar Garcia across the plate to make it a 3-2 game.
• The Redbirds tied it up in the bottom of the fifth on Ryan Bakes' RBI single to left field scoring Josh Outlaw to make it a 3-3 contest.
• The Redbirds scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth as Louis Bussard (RBI single), Camden Karczewski (RBI sacrifice fly), and Josh Outlaw (RBI single) all drove in runs to put Illinois State ahead 6-3.
• The Sycamores took one back in the seventh on Caden Miller's RBI single to center field scoring Carter Beck to provide the final 6-4 scoring margin.

News and Notes

• Carter Beck extended his hitting streak to 17 consecutive games on Saturday afternoon as the junior outfielder went 1-for-4 with a double.
• Mason Roell extended his on-base streak to 15 consecutive games after getting hit by a pitch to open Saturday's game.
• Colin Sander went 2-for-2 and reached base in all four plate appearances on Saturday afternoon.
• Emil Estrella and Colin Sander both tripled in the game marking the Sycamores' second game this season with multiple triples and first since Emil Estrella and Mason Roell both tripled on February 21 against Brown.
• Emil Estrella leads the team with three triples on the season and added his team-leading seventh stolen base on Saturday afternoon.
• Ty Brooks went into the sixth inning on the mound marking his eighth time going 5.0+ innings in the 2026 season.

Up Next
Indiana State and Illinois State close out the weekend series on Sunday afternoon with first pitch for the rubber match set for 2 p.m. ET at Duffy Bass Field. The game will be carried live on ESPN+ and 105.5 The Legend.
 
Indiana State Baseball Season Tickets on Sale Now
Season tickets for the 2026 Indiana State baseball season are now on sale as the Sycamores head into their second season under Head Coach Tracy Archuleta. The Sycamores will play 21 home games inside Bob Warn Field this season, starting on March 4 against Lindenwood.
 
Reserved chairback season tickets can be purchased for $110. General admission season tickets will go on sale as well with adult ($75), seniors ($55), and youth ($40) tickets also being available for purchase. There will be a $5 surcharge added to those wanting tickets printed.
 
The Sycamores have teamed up with Pacesetter Sports and the Spirit Shop for the third consecutive season for a season ticket deal. Fans will receive a $50 Pacesetter gift card for each $110 reserved chairback season ticket, $35 gift card for each $75 general admission season ticket, $25 gift card for each $55 senior general admission ticket, and $20 gift card for each $40 youth season ticket sold.
 
Follow the Sycamores
For the latest information on the Sycamore Baseball team, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Fans can also receive updates on Sycamore Athletics by downloading the March On App from both the App Store and the Google Play Store.