Creighton starter Tommy Strunc surrendered six runs in the first two innings as Creighton fell to Illinois State, 9-2, on Friday, May 3.
The loss dropped Creighton’s record to 24-12 overall and 8-5 in Missouri ValleyConference (MVC) play. Illinois State, meanwhile, moved to 30-16 on the season and 10-3 in MVC action.
Illinois State got out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first with an RBI single from Eric Aguilera and an RBI double via Kyle Stanton. The Redbirds put four more on the board in the second to push their advantage to 6-0. Brock Stewart laced an RBI double into left-center and Chad Hinshaw stroked and RBI single to right. Zac Johnson followed with an RBI triple and Aguilera delivered an RBI single.
Creighton got on the board in the fourth as junior Federico Castagnini reached on a three-base error, scoring via an RBI groundout from sophomore Jake Peter.
After the Redbirds got a run in the bottom of the sixth, the Jays answered in the seventh. Peter drew a leadoff walk, then senior Alex Staehely ripped a double down the left field line. Peter raced around to score, making it 7-2.
Strunc took the loss (6-2) allowing six runs on seven hits and two walks in two innings. FreshmanMatt Warren was a highlight for the Bluejays out of the pen, tossing a career-high 4.2 innings. Warren limited Illinois State to one unearned run on two hits.
Illinois State’s Chris Razo tossed his fourth complete game of the season to move to 6-0, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits. Razo recorded eight strikeouts and issued just one walk.
The Bluejays and Redbirds continue their three-game set on Saturday, May 4 at 2 p.m. at Duffy Bass Field.