PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Marietta struggled to string together hits as the Pioneers lost 9-4 to Illinois State on Saturday, March 12. It was the second consecutive loss for Marietta (11-4) in Florida as its spring break trip nears the end.
 
Jim Pancher and Mark Talarico each went 2-for-4 as the Pioneers managed just three more hits off Redbirds' pitchers Jay Darnell and Bob Reibel.
 
Darnell struck out five and gave up five hits and four runs over 6 1/3 innings. Reibel allowed two more hits as he got the final two outs of the game.
 
ISU's Al Wallace had a home run and three RBI, while Lynn Wade and Mike Prior each had two hits and an RBI.
 
Jim Kennedy took the loss after giving up eight runs on eight hits over the first three innings.