NORMAL, ill. — May 6, 2024 —
The Missouri State Bears secured a 4-3 victory against Illinois State on Sunday, highlighted by a strong pitching performance. The Bears’ pitching staff achieved a season-high 15 strikeouts. Tyler Charlton’s career-high 11 strikeouts were key to the win. The Bears solidified their top spot in the Missouri Valley Conference. Read on for insights into the game and what lies ahead.
Missouri state Bears Claw Past Illinois State, Eye UCF Next
NORMAL, Ill. – The Missouri State Bears secured a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Illinois State on Sunday afternoon at Duffy Bass field, showcasing a dominant pitching performance that saw them match a season-high 15 strikeouts. This win solidifies MSU’s position atop the Missouri Valley Conference, marking their ninth series victory in 12 weekends this season.
Pitching Prowess Leads the Way
the Bears’ pitching staff was the undeniable star of the game. Tyler Charlton set the tone early, racking up nine strikeouts in his first 4.2 innings. He finished with a career-high 11 strikeouts, the most by an MSU pitcher since Brandt Thompson achieved the feat in march 2023. Max Knight (4-2) followed Charlton’s stellar performance with three strikeouts, earning the winning decision. Owen Slater added another strikeout, and Jackson holmes closed out the game, securing his fifth save of the season.
Did You Know?
Tyler Charlton’s 11 strikeouts were a career-high, demonstrating his growth and impact on the team’s pitching rotation.
Offensive Highlights
The Bears’ offense provided crucial support, scoring a pair of runs in the third inning. Zack Stewart launched a solo home run, his 11th of the season and 44th of his career, tying him with Dakota Kotowski for seventh all-time at MSU. Caden Bogenpohl followed with an RBI single, extending the Bears’ lead.
Pro Tip
Zack Stewart’s consistent power hitting has made him a key offensive threat for the bears. His ability to drive the ball out of the park can change the momentum of any game.
Key Moments in the Game
Illinois State briefly tied the game at 2-2 with a home run by Daniel Pacella in the third inning.However,the Bears responded with resilience. Jake McCutcheon’s RBI fielder’s choice in the fifth inning put MSU back in the lead at 3-2.Curry Sutherland added an insurance run in the ninth with another RBI fielder’s choice, extending the score to 4-2.
The bottom of the ninth inning was filled with drama. The Redbirds managed to put runners on the corners with only one out. They then traded a run for an out, narrowing the score to 4-3. With the bases loaded, Jackson Holmes induced a crucial foul out to end the game, securing the victory for the Bears.
It was a nail-biting finish, but our guys showed composure and determination to close out the game.
– An unnamed source close to the team
Individual Performances
Tyler Epstein had a standout performance, recording his first three-hit game as a Bear. He also scored twice and stole two bases, showcasing his speed and versatility. Additionally, Rodriguez extended his school-record hitting streak to an impressive 32 games.
Looking Ahead: Clash with UCF
The Bears will return home for their final four home games of the season, starting with a 6:30 p.m. Tuesday contest against UCF of the Big 12. Tickets for home baseball games are available online, and MSU students receive free admission.
Next Game:
Opponent: UCF
Date: May 6, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+ / KBFL 96.9 FM/1060 AM
#GoBears
Frequently Asked Questions
Who had the most strikeouts for Missouri State?
Tyler Charlton recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts.
What was the final score of the game?
Missouri State won 4-3 against Illinois State.
Who is Missouri State playing next?
Missouri State will play UCF on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
