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WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — After a three-hour rain delay knocked St. Bonaventure off-track in the opener, the Bonnies returned to play on Sunday still out of rhythm, falling to Missouri Valley (MVC) foe Illinois State 21-3 at Chain of Lakes Park in Winter Haven, Fla.

The loss slips the Brown and White's record to 0-2, while the Redbirds even their mark at 2-2. ISU was predicted to finish fourth in the MVC.

For the second straight game, the Bona pitching staff struggled, giving up big innings. Illinois State plated runs in five of the first six innings, including seven in the second and eight in the sixth. The Redbirds scored all 21 of their runs before the Bonnies found the plate.

Redshirt senior Brian Hardner suffered the loss on the mound, lasting 2.1 innings after giving up nine earned runs. Sophomore Nick Brennen relieved Hardner and struck out five, but was touched up for five runs over 2.2 innings. Junior Jamie Wallschlaeger made his first career appearance on the mound, finishing the final three innings.

Freshman Billy Urban picked up a hit for the second straight game, going 1-for-2 with a walk and two RBI. Urban drove in sophomore Ryan Skellie in the seventh on a single and again in the ninth on a sacrifice fly. Skellie led off the ninth with a double to right center. As a team, the Bonnies had just four hits.

Senior Dennis Sherba will get the nod on the mound on Monday when the Bonnies face 2009 NCAA Tournament participant Kansas State. Sherba equaled a program single-season record with eight wins last season.