Ball State University
10-13
Murray State
7-8
Softball Opens Play in Jacksonville with 6-1 Loss to Murray State
March 11, 2016 | Softball
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - -Despite jumping out to an early 1-0 lead, the Ball State softball team opened play in Jacksonville with a 6-1 loss to Murray State Friday afternoon at the Debbie & Fred Pruitt Softball Complex.
The Cardinals (10-13) came out of the gate strong, with its first three batters singling against the Racers (7-8) in the top of the first inning. Unfortunately, the Cardinals could not capitalize, only scoring one run in the inning on an illegal pitch, and scattering three hits over the rest of the game.
“We have to find a way to gain some momentum and turn the tide,” Ball State head coach Megan Ciolli Bartlett said. “We also have to find a way to capitalize with runners on second and third. The reality is, if the middle of the lineup does not come up with big hits when you need them, it's going to be hard to win. On defense, we have to do a better job defending routine ground balls. When we clean up those fundamental errors, we will be in good shape.”
After freshman catcher Madison Lee opened the game with a single up the middle, senior right fielder Selena Reyna dropped a bunt down the first base line and reached the bag ahead of the throw which hit her in the back. Junior center fielder Rachel Houck followed with a soft grounder back to the pitcher to load the bases. One out and three pitches later, an illegal pitch brought home the Cardinals only run of the game.
Ball State maintained the one-run lead until the top of the second when the Racers first three batters reached base on a walk and pair of singles. After a RBI single brought in Murray State's first run, back-to-back Ball State errors on a grounder to second and a throw to second on a stolen base attempt, lead to three more Racers runs.
Murray State would score one more run in the bottom of the second and add another in the fourth to give the game its final score of 6-1.
Following the top of the first, Ball State's best chance to score in the game came in the top of the fourth when senior shortstop Emily Dabkowski led off the inning with a triple to the wall in center field. Unfortunately, a strikeout and a pair of hard-hit balls right at Murray State defenders ended the threat.
Ball State sophomore pitcher Carolyn Wilmes would turn in a solid effort in relief, scattering just four hits and a walk over 5.0 innings of work. She also struck out three batters in the loss. Kelsey Schifferdecker suffered the pitching loss for the Cardinals, allowing three hits and four runs (only two of which were earned) in 1.0 inning of work.
The Cardinals close its 11-day spring break trip at the two-day Jacksonville Tournament with a pair of Saturday games vs. Murray State (9 a.m.) and Jacksonville (2 p.m.), followed by a single game Sunday against Jacksonville (9 a.m.).
For the most up-to-date news on Ball State softball, follow the team on Twitter: @BallStateSB, @CoachCBartlett & @BallStateSports / Instagram: ballstatesb / Facebook: BallStateSoftball.
- BallStateSports.com –
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: ROBINSON, Mason (5-5)
L: Schifferdecker, Kelsey (2-2)
Batting:
3B: Dabkowski, Emily 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Lee, Madison 1
Batting:
RBI: MILLER, Shelbey 1 ; CULVER, Madison 1 ; TWADDLE, Jessica 1 ; YOUNG, Mallory 1
SH: FEENEY, Maddy 1
Base Running:
RUNS: MILLER, Shelbey 2 ; KESEL, Leah 1 ; GLASS, Maggie 1 ; YOUNG, Mallory 1 ; FINCK, Brenna 1
SB: MILLER, Shelbey 2
HBP: MILLER, Shelbey 1
