NORMAL, Ill. (Interstat) — Brayden Bakes was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 15th inning Saturday afternoon, forcing in the winning run as Illinois State rallied to beat Western Illinois 7-6 in a marathon nonconference game at Duffy Bass Field.

The Redbirds, who trailed 6-0 after four innings, chipped away before tying the game on a balk in the eighth. Both bullpens dominated extra innings until the decisive sequence. Illinois State’s Reece Clapp delivered a pivotal relief outing, allowing one hit and striking out eight over seven scoreless frames. Liam Bushey homered for the Leathernecks.

Illinois State improved to 11-7. Western Illinois fell to 3-14. The teams conclude their series Sunday.