The sweep, which was the first for the Aces in a conference road series since 2006, saw the Aces improve to 13-22 on the year with a 4-5 league mark. ISU, on the other hand, dropped to 10-24 and 0-6, respectively.
Hayden, a junior out of Mayfield, Ky., went a career-best seven innings while allowing just three hits and striking out four. It was the first time the right-hander had put together a scoreless outing, and it started early as he began his day by setting down the first eight ISU batters in order. Only one Redbird ever moved beyond first base.
“It was a real competitive effort from Justin,” UE head coach Wes Carroll said. “I don’t think his numbers have shown how well he’s done for us this year. He’s been a tough luck pitcher, and today, he put together an outstanding performance.”
On the day, ISU was 0-for-13 at the plate with runners on base.
ISU starting pitcher Brent Headrick was similarly successful, tossing seven scoreless as well while allowing just four hits.
Craig Shepherd and ISU’s Joe Butler were the only players with multiple hits. Each finished with a pair.
In the eighth, Brendan Krob sent the fourth pitch from ISU reliever Trevor Cross over the wall in left center for his second career homer.
“We think Brendan has a really high ceiling, and we think he’s going to have a great career in a Purple Aces uniform,” Carroll said. “He got out to a really slow start and he had some mechanical adjustments. With him stepping up in a big way today, we’re hoping its confidence-booster going forward.”
Brandon Gomer came in to toss the final two innings for his fourth save of the season. The win saw Hayden improve to 3-5 on the season.
The Aces will return to action on Tuesday with a trip to UT Martin. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m.
NOTES: This weekend represents UE’s first conference series win since taking home two out of three at Missouri State in April of 2016 … UE’s last road sweep in league play came at Southern Illinois in May 2006 … Since 1978, the Aces are 55-59 against the Redbirds, which includes a 39-36 mark in MVC regular season contests … UE has now won 10 of 22 Valley series between UE and ISU … The Aces had previously registered only one sweep of the Redbirds, which came in 2014 … The Aces were involved in their 26th Easter Sunday game since 1987. UE is 15-11 on Easter, which includes a 3-2 mark against the Redbirds in Normal … UE is now 10-9 on April 16 since 1987 and 333-280 in the month of April … Since 1978, UE is 252-225 against schools from the state of Illinois, which includes a 3-5 mark this season.
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