The Illinois State baseball team secured a series sweep over Bradley with an 8-5 victory on April 26 at Duffy Bass Field. The Redbirds improved their season record to 26-17 and reached a .500 mark in Missouri Valley Conference play at 9-9.
The game was notable as Illinois State overcame a four-run deficit, marking its largest comeback win of the season and its first sweep of Bradley since 2013. The team’s offense ignited after falling behind early, with key contributions from several players throughout the lineup.
Junior Ryan Bakes started the rally in the third inning with a double, followed by his brother Brayden Bakes, who also doubled to bring home the team’s first run. In subsequent innings, Michael Carrano Jr., Camden Karczewski, Josh Outlaw, and Eric Machej contributed hits and runs that allowed Illinois State to take control of the game. Pitchers Jacob Culp and Reece Clapp closed out the final innings without allowing additional runs.
Brayden Bakes led offensively with three hits and three RBIs, extending his streak of reaching base to twelve games. Carrano Jr. recorded his fifth consecutive game with a hit, while Thomas Harper earned his second win of the year by pitching over three scoreless innings in relief. According to the official website, Illinois State Redbirds benefits from resources like the Redbird Athletics Excellence Fund for competitiveness and recruitment.
Illinois State’s athletic programs are closely linked to Illinois State University according to its official website. The university supports student-athletes through facilities such as the OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Center according to its official website. The Redbirds compete in NCAA Division I events across various regions according to its official website.
Fans can find news updates, schedules, rosters, and other resources on the team’s official website, which helps bolster community engagement around athletics.
