Ball State University
Northern Illinois (DH)
Softball?s Reifschneider Ties Single-Season HR Record
April 17, 2009 | Softball
Muncie, Ind. ? Boasting a 12-1 conference record, the Ball State softball team (22-17) remains undefeated at home after earning two wins over Northern Illinois Friday. Jen Reifschneider's three-run homer tied the single-season record at eight.
GAME ONE
After two singles by Allie Pennock and Alicia Barkley, who both finished 2-for-4, Reifschneider's home run in the first inning gave the Cardinals a quick 3-0 lead. Her last home run came against Indiana March 14. She has also earned nine multiple-RBI games this season, including three three times. Barkley earned her 11th multiple-hit game with her two hits.
The Huskies managed to put one run on the board in the top of the fourth as well, on an RBI single. But Ball State extended its lead 5-1 in its half of the inning with two runs off two hits. Despite not earning any hits the rest of the game, the five runs were enough for the Cardinals to clinch their 11th conference victory.
Elizabeth Milian improved to 16-10 on the season with five more strikeouts and without giving up an earned run. She moves to a 1.77 ERA.
GAME TWO
Ball State neared its season high in hits with 11 in the second game of the day. The Cardinals earned 13 in games against IUPUI and Eastern Michigan.
The Cardinals took the early advantage once again, scoring two runs in the first inning as four of the first five batters singled.
Before the Huskies could score any more, with bases loaded in the top of the second, Laura Masch struck out the last two batters to close the side.
Pennock sent home Bejarano home in the bottom of the second. Barkley's second triple of the season, shot deep into right center field driving in two more runs as Northern Illinois trailed 5-1. But this time, Ball State did not stop the offense there. Although a two-run home run by Bailey Ouellette brought the Huskies within two, Ball State scored three more unanswered runs in the last three innings for its 11th straight conference victory.
Pennock hit 3-for-4 and earned three runs; the only player to do so this season in a single game. Barkley made two diving catches on the day and earned her eighth multiple-RBI game.
Laura Masch pitched five and a third innings to earn her sixth win for a 6-4 record before she was relieved by freshman Kim Mazzapica (0-1). Masch tied her single-season record number of strikeouts with 61, which she did as a junior.
Northern Illinois tallied seven errors on the day, while Ball State kept it at one. Ball State led for a combined 19 hits to the Huskies 11.
Lisa Rozanski, Pennock and Alyssa Collins also all stole two bases a piece, while Barkley stole one for a total of seven bases in two games by four people. The four also recorded at least two hits in each of the games. Amanda Montalto also went 2-for-3 in game two.
*!*!* Please note, the Cardinals' game against Western Michigan (8-4 in MAC) Sunday has now been combined for a double header starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday due to possible unfair weather conditions on Sunday. Live stats will be available for both games.
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