Preview: Belmont Bruins at Illinois State Redbirds

NORMAL, Ill. (Interstat) — The Illinois State Redbirds will look to build on a decisive series-opening victory when they host the Belmont Bruins in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup Saturday evening at Duffy Bass Field.

First pitch is scheduled for under clear skies with a game-time temperature of 79 degrees.

The Redbirds (14-7) overpowered the Bruins 9-4 on Friday afternoon, powered by a historic performance from left fielder Brayden Bakes. The Illinois State standout went 4 for 5 with three home runs and five RBIs in the win. He enters Saturday on a torrid streak, having gone 8 for 10 with four homers and eight RBIs over his last two games.

Belmont (8-14), which has lost three straight and seven of its last ten, will aim to even the series. A key for the Bruins will be third baseman Landon Godsey, who provided most of Friday’s offense with a two-run homer and three RBIs. Godsey is batting .333 (7 for 21) with six RBIs over his last six games.

The statistical models heavily favor the home team. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-4 Illinois State victory, and its ELO rating system gives the Redbirds a 60.8% probability to win.

Illinois State has won five of its last six games overall. Belmont’s recent struggles have been marked by pitching difficulties, allowing nine or more runs in four of its last five losses.

The series concludes Sunday afternoon.