Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
Indiana Tech
Baseball Defeats Indiana Tech 11-6, Preps For Dayton
April 01, 2008 | Baseball
By Andrew Lentz
ballstatesports.com
MUNCIE, Ind. -- The Ball State baseball team overcame a sluggish start Tuesday to improve its record to 13-9 with an 11-6 victory versus Indiana Tech at Ball Diamond.
After being shut out in the first three innings as Indiana Tech built a 2-0 lead, the Cardinals heated up in the fourth. Shortstop Dean Anna led off the inning with a single en route to three hits and three RBI on the day. First baseman Justin Rogers was hit by a pitch and designated hitter Kolbrin Vitek then loaded the bases with another single before center fielder Ryan Chenoweth hit a grand slam for his fourth home run of the year to give BSU a 4-2 lead.
"That was a huge inning for us," said Ball State coach Greg Beals. "We weren't comfortable being down 2-0, and it took a lot of pressure off of us."
The Warriors (16-13) regained control in the fifth inning, scoring three runs off of two hits to take a 5-4 advantage. Indiana Tech designated hitter Will Richards and first baseman Riley Muhlenkamp led the Warriors offensively Tuesday with a pair of hits and RBI.
The Cardinals and Warriors traded runs in the sixth and seventh innings before BSU took the lead for good after the seventh inning stretch. Anna hit a two-run shot for his second home run of the season, and the Cardinals never looked back. Despite the cold weather, the Cardinals ultimately put the game away in the eighth inning with four more runs off of three hits and two errors.
"It wasn't an easy day to play, but it was that way on both teams," said Beals. "We have to stay focused."
Pitcher Aaron Hammons (1-2) earned the win for the Cardinals, and Eric Sherrill received the loss for Indiana Tech. The Cardinals spread the pitching duties around in the midweek contest, giving six pitchers some action on the mound. Seniors Tyler Pritchard and Kyle Heyne threw the final two innings for Ball State. Neither allowed a run or a hit as the Cardinals slammed the door.
Anna's three-hit performance led Ball State, while Rogers and Chenoweth -- the reigning MAC West Player of the Week -- added two hits each. Chenoweth led all players in the game with four RBI.
Ball State will be back in action Wednesday afternoon when the Cardinals play host to the Dayton Flyers at 3 pm. at Ball Diamond.
