Preview: Western Illinois at Illinois State

NORMAL, Ill. (March 14, 2026) (Interstat) — The Illinois State Redbirds will look to continue their recent dominance over the struggling Western Illinois Leathernecks when the in-state foes meet for the third consecutive day Saturday evening at Duffy Bass Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under clear skies with temperatures around 51 degrees.

Illinois State (11-7) has taken the first two games of the series, including a 7-1 victory Friday night. The Redbirds have won 10 of their last 13 games overall. Western Illinois (3-14) has lost five straight and 13 of its last 14 contests.

A player to watch for the Redbirds is right-hander Michael Addari, who was dominant in relief Friday. He fired five shutout innings, allowing just one hit while striking out six to earn the win. Over his last four appearances, Addari has a 1.80 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched.

The Leathernecks will hope for a turnaround from reliever Billy Humphrey, a key player to watch. Humphrey took the loss Friday, allowing two earned runs over 3 2/3 innings. He has struggled recently, surrendering 19 earned runs in his last 6 2/3 innings spanning five outings since Feb. 22.

The series has been tight, however. Illinois State needed 11 innings to secure a 7-6 win in the opener Thursday before Friday’s more comfortable victory.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Illinois State is projected to win Saturday’s matchup 5-1.

Following Saturday’s game, the series concludes Sunday afternoon in Normal. Western Illinois hosts Milwaukee on Tuesday. Illinois State hosts SIU Edwardsville on Tuesday.