NORMAL, Ill. (Interstat) — The Illinois State Redbirds erupted for five runs in the eighth inning to pull away from the Belmont Bruins 9-3 on Sunday afternoon at Duffy Bass Field, completing a three-game Missouri Valley Conference sweep.

Starter Luke Teschke earned the win for Illinois State (16-7), allowing one earned run on two hits over six strong innings. Belmont (8-16) managed only four hits total. Brady Holbrook provided a solo homer for the Bruins.

The game was tied 3-3 until the Redbirds’ big eighth, highlighted by a two-run double from Graham Mastros. Brayden Bakes homered and drove in two for Illinois State, which out-hit Belmont 12-4.