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Redbirds Host Southern Illinois in Final Home Series
May 8, 2008
Complete Release in PDF Format
NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois State baseball team will wrap up its 2008 home schedule this weekend when they host in-state rival Southern Illinois in a three-game Missouri Valley Conference series. The series opener is slated for Friday at 6 p.m., while Saturday's game will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday's finale is Senior Day and Mother's Day at Duffy Bass Field, with first pitch set for 1 p.m. The Redbirds (21-24) had the week off due to final examinations, but were able to take 2-for-3 games from interstate I-74 rival Bradley in a pivotal Valley series last weekend, including a 5-1, series-clinching win last Sunday (May 4). Illinois State was able to move back into the conference tournament race, as the Redbirds are only two games (5-13) behind the Salukis (26-20), who enter the weekend with a 7-11 league slate. "I'm looking for our guys to play the way they did last Sunday. If we are able to do that, then we will be fine," said head coach Jim Brownlee. "I think they understand the importance of this weekend's series and they know that all our goals are still attainable. One of our biggest goals heading into this season was to qualify for the conference tournament, and it is still in our hands. I think if we can win our last two league series that we have a great opportunity. I'm more concerned with how we play and how we approach the game. "We are coming off finals week, and some teams are able to respond. I think that Sunday was a big day for us, and I hope we can build on that. It sure is more fun when you play baseball the way it's meant to be played. Everybody needs to step up and do their job, and if that happens, we are a very capable team." The Redbirds will send sophomore left-hander Ryan Copeland to the hill in game one Friday. Copeland has a 4-5 record with a 3.67 earned-run average (ERA) in 11 starts this season. Copeland struggled in his start last weekend against the Braves, as he surrendered a career-high 11 runs on 13 hits in only 3.2 innings of work. However, he was able to bounce back in the series finale, as he came out of the bullpen to pitch 1.1 scoreless innings to pick up his first-career save. "It's really puzzling to me when Ryan has struggled as of late because he pitched so well to start off the season," said Brownlee. "He was hit hard in his last start, however, he was able to come back and be `lights out' in relief during his last appearance. He needs to work on making adjustments during the course of the game in order to make hitters uncomfortable at the plate. I think that his start this weekend is huge for us, and I think he will bounce back and set the tone for us Friday night." Senior Tyler Cox will take the ball in game two. The left-hander also struggled in his last start, as he surrendered eight runs on six hits. However, only two of the runs were earned due to miscues by the Redbird defense. Cox has a record of 4-3 and a 3.91 ERA, which ranks second among the ISU pitchers. There will be plenty of promotions for fans to enjoy during the Redbirds' final homestand, as the weekend kicks off with Fan Appreciation Day Friday night. All fans will be entered into a drawing for various prizes, and all Reggie's Kids Club members will receive free admission to the game. An inflatable bouncer will be set up in the right field picnic area from 5 to 7 p.m., provided by Fun on the Run. Saturday's game is Sponsor Appreciation Day, as a cookout will be provided for all 2008 Redbird Baseball Sponsors. Sunday's finale will recognize the four Redbird baseball senior student-athletes for their contributions to the program, as well as identify all the mothers in attendance. Free admission will be provided to all mothers, as well as all members of Reggie's Kids Club.
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