NORMAL, Ill. – Missouri State softball (20-16,11-3 MVC) earned its 20th win of the season with a 4-1 series-clinching victory at Illinois State (20-17, 10-3 MVC) here Sunday afternoon.
The Bears carried their momentum from yesterday’s victory into Sunday’s game, jumping out to an early lead over the Redbirds.
With just one baserunner between the two squads in the first two innings, Missouri State struck first with a two-run third inning. Freshman Abby Ford got the offense going with a one-out single to the pitcher and two batters later, Ellie McCoy sent a two-out double to right center to score Ford from first, giving MSU the lead. McCoy then took advantage of two Illinois State wild pitches to make it a 2-0 advantage for the Bears.
The Redbirds threatened in the third with a runner on third and two outs, but Mackenzie Chacon forced a fly out to get herself out of the jam.
Chacon and Co. then locked down the Redbirds, allowing just one baserunner across the fourth through sixth innings.
Ford worked a leadoff walk in the top of the seventh, and later in the inning with two outs, MSU took advantage of an Illinois State dropped fly ball. With a second life, McKenzie Vaughan knocked a two-RBI single to left field, doubling MSU’s lead heading into the final half inning.
Following a leadoff walk, Vaughan came on in relief and immediately forced a ground out. Despite allowing an RBI-single to get the Redbirds on the board, MSU secured the series with a 4-1 victory.
Chacon shined in the circle, tossing 6.0 innings while allowing just one earned run and two hits to move to 6-3 on the season.
At the plate, Vaughan and McCoy combined for MSU’s three RBI on the day, as Ford scored two runs and drew a walk. Annie Mueller had Missouri State’s fourth hit on the afternoon.
The Bears will be back in action on Wednesday, April 12 against Kansas City. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. CT in Springfield.
