Box Score

NORMAL, Ill. – Eastern Kentucky lost to Illinois State, 16-4, on Saturday.

The highlight for EKU (6-13) came in the top of the ninth when freshman Brendan Cutting hit his first career home run, a three-run shot over the wall in right field.  The Colonels' first run came in the top of the sixth.  With one out, TJ Alas tripled to left center.  Mandy Alvarez followed with a sacrifice fly for his 14th RBI of the season.

Alas finished 2-for-3 with a run scored.  Cutting's lone at bat of the game produced his first collegiate dinger.

Illinois State (10-10) went in front 7-0 after five innings.  Joe Kelch drove in a pair with a double in a 4-run fourth inning for the Redbirds.  ISU put the game out of reach with nine runs in the sixth inning.  Paul DeJong had a bases clearing double in the big inning.

Jac Hendren (4-1) picked up the win for Illinois State after giving up just one run on three hits in seven innings.  He walked three and struck out six.  DeJong finished 3-for-5 with a run and four RBIs.  Dennis Colon had four hits in five at bats, scored three times and drove in two.

The Colonels and Redbirds will conclude their series on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.