Ball State University
28-22, 0
Akron
20-24, 0
Scamihorn Lifts Softball Past Akron On Her Birthday
April 26, 2015 | Softball
AKRON, Ohio - - Sophomore catcher Shelbie Scamihorn (Terre Haute, Ind./South Vigo) celebrated her birthday with a seventh-inning RBI single to drive in what proved to be the game-winning run as the Ball State softball team topped Akron by a score of 5-3 Sunday afternoon at Lee R. Jackson Field.
With the win, the Cardinals improve to 28-22 (13-4 MAC) and maintain a hold on the top spot in the Mid-American Conference standings. The Zips fall to 20-24 (7-10 MAC) with the loss.
Much like yesterday's game at Akron, the Cardinals jumped out to an early 3-0 advantage Sunday, this time courtesy of a three-run first inning. Junior shortstop Selena Reyna (Houston, Texas/South Houston) opened the game with a single and advanced to second on a Zips error. Senior left fielder Loren Cihlar (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North) would give the Cardinals runners at the corners after reaching base on a fielder's choice before advancing to second.
Following back-to-back Ball State outs, senior designated player Jessica Craft (LaPorte, Ind./LaPorte) drove in the game's first two runs with a double down the left field line. Scamihorn then recorded her first birthday hit with a RBI single to center field, giving the Cardinals a 3-0 edge.
Much like Saturday's game, however, Akron was able to battle their way back with a lone run in the bottom of the second and a two-spot in the bottom of the fourth to even the score at 3-3.
After a pair of scoreless innings, Ball State would strike for a two of runs in the top of the seventh to break the stalemate. Craft opened the inning with her second double of the day, while Scamihorn followed with a clutch RBI single to drive in what proved to be the game-winning run. With junior pinch runner Kirsten O'Conner (Muncie, Ind./Cowan/Evansville) at second for Scamihorn, junior first baseman Sammi Cowger (Fenton, Mich./Fenton) singled to drive in an insurance run for the Cardinals.
Junior relief pitcher Nicole Steinbach (Merrillville, Ind./Andrean) would retire the Zips in order in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win. Over 2.2 innings of relief work, Steinbach limited Akron to just one hit to improve to 13-12 on the year.
Junior pitcher Kelsey Schifferdecker (Belton, Mo./Belton) opened the game in the circle for Ball State, limiting Akron to five hits and three earned runs over 4.1 innings of work.
The Ball State softball team concludes the regular season next weekend, with a two-game series at Miami. The Cardinals and RedHawks are set to play single games Saturday (2 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m.).
For the most up-to-date news on Ball State softball, follow the team on Twitter: @BallStateSB and @TyraPerry13 / Instagram: ballstatesb / Facebook: BallStateSoftball.
- BallStateSports.com –
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Steinbach, Nicole (13-12)
L: SEILER, Erin (20-16)
Batting:
2B: Craft, Jessica 2
RBI: Craft, Jessica 2 ; Scamihorn, Shelbie 2 ; Cowger, Sammi 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Reyna, Selena 1 ; Cihlar, Loren 1 ; Craft, Jessica 2 ; O'Conner, Kirsten 1
SB: Cihlar, Loren 1
Batting:
2B: WILDEY, Chelsea 1
3B: ALLMON, Taryn 1
RBI: ALLMON, Taryn 2 ; FRUIN, Savannah 1
SH: ALLMON, Taryn 2 ; FRUIN, Savannah 1
SF: FRUIN, Savannah 1
Base Running:
RUNS: NICHOLAS, Alyssa 1 ; WILDEY, Chelsea 2
HBP: WILDEY, Chelsea 1
