Ball State University
Ohio
Softball?s Reifschneider Blasts Two HRs In Win At Ohio
April 25, 2009 | Softball
ATHENS, Ohio ? The Ball State softball team dominated Ohio (11-8 in MAC, 21-19 overall) in the fourth and fifth innings, scoring a combined nine runs, including a three-run home run by Jen Reifschneider. The Cardinals hold a 15-3 Mid-American Conference record and are 25-22 overall.
After a scoreless inning and a half, the Bobcats' second hit of the day was a double into right center field to begin the bottom of the second. A sacrifice bunt advanced the runner to third; she scored on a single through the middle for Ohio to take an early lead 1-0 lead.
Two walks put Lisa Rozanski and Allie Pennock on first and second. The Cardinals had yet to earn a hit throughout three innings until Alyssa Collins singled on a bunt. The hit sparked more hits as Reifschneider brought Ball State from a one-run deficit to a one-run lead with a two-RBI double into center field, sending Rozanski and Pennock home. Another run scored off Amanda Montalto's single into center field, pushing in pinch runner Jackie Durment before the end of the top of the fourth.
A single and a double into the outfield gaps put runners on second and third to begin the bottom of the fourth for Ohio. Elizabeth Milian struck out her second and third batters on the day for two outs, but the Bobcats scored on a single into left field, trailing 3-2.
The Cardinals continued to light up the scoreboard in the top of the fifth, earning six runs off five hits and two errors. Leading off, Rozanski singled to left center. She then stole her 29th base this season, 72nd in her career. Pennock hit a triple deep into right center field, scoring Rozanski for two-runs up. Alicia Barkley singled down the left field line as the Cardinals commanded a 5-2 lead. Collins singled as well, moving Barkley to second. Reifschneider answered once again for Ball State with her tenth home run of the season, and adding three more RBI, six total in the game. Montalto reached on an error and advanced to second on the throw. Katelyn Gunderson pinch ran for her as Kate Wilczynski reached first on a walk. Milian loaded the bases by reaching on an error as well. Kamilah Holle's sacrifice fly gave the Cardinals a ninth run for a 9-2 lead.
A double began Ohio's half of the fifth inning, trailing by just one hit, eight to seven but by seven runs. The Bobcats attempted a comeback with two runs off three hits, but Ohio still trailed 9-4 after the inning. Three quick outs put the Bobcats back at the plate.
Laura Masch relieved Milian in the circle with one out in the bottom of the sixth, with two one. Milian (18-13) finished five and a third innings with four strikeouts. The bases loaded as the next batter reached on an error. A double drove in two more runs for Ohio, but another walk loaded the bases once more. Masch forced two fly outs to end the inning.
Leading off in the top of the seventh, Reifschneider blasted her 11th season home run with shot that cleared the center field scoreboard. The home run is her third in two days, smashing the previous single-season record set at eight. Wilczynski followed with a single to center field. In her first ever at bat, Masch's sacrifice bunt advanced Wilczynski to second. But Wilczynski was unable to score.
Ball State led 10-6 in the bottom of the seventh, until the Cardinals gave up one hit and two errors, allowing the Bobcats to score a seventh run. Ball State held strong, striking out one and forcing ground outs for the last two outs and earning its 15th conference win.
The Cardinals are back for a 1 p.m. matchup Sunday at Ohio to close out the weekend. Live stats will be available for this weekend's games.
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