Ball State University
17-21, 3-6
Buffalo - GM 1
10-24, 4-3
Errors Costly in Softball?s Friday Loss to Buffalo
April 08, 2016 | Softball
MUNCIE, Ind. - - A pair of errors in the top of the fourth proved costly for the Ball State softball team, which opened a three-game Mid-American Conference series versus Buffalo with a 2-0 setback Friday morning at the Softball Field at First Merchants Ballpark Complex.
The Cardinals (17-21, 3-6 MAC) and Bulls (10-24, 4-3 MAC) also played three innings in a second game, which was postponed in the top of the fourth due to weather. Buffalo led the suspended game by a score of 10-2 with bases loaded and no outs in the top of the fourth. The game is scheduled to be completed Saturday at Noon, with the final game of the series immediately after.
In the series opener Friday morning, the teams battled through three scoreless innings before a pair of Ball State errors led to the game's first run with one out in the top of the fourth. A two-out RBI double later in the frame by Buffalo's Savanna Norcio gave the guests a 2-0 advantage.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals offense would never find its rhythm, as the home team was limited to just three hits. Sophomore catcher Leigh McAnally continued her solid play in the batters box, logging the game's first hit in the bottom of the third. McAnally has tallied at least one hit in each of the Cardinals last three completed games, and including a walk in the suspended contest, she has reached base safely in four consecutive contests.
Freshman second baseman Becca Rodriguez added a two-out single in the bottom of the third, while senior shortstop Emily Dabkowski singled and stole second with two outs in the sixth for Ball State's only other hits in the game.
In the circle, senior pitcher Nicole Steinbach limited the Bulls to just five hits and a pair of unearned runs over 6.0 innings of work. She also struck out three batters while falling to 13-10 on the year.
Charlotte Miller earned the pitching victory for Buffalo, holding Ball State to three hits and three walks in the game, while striking out five to improve to 4-4.
For future schedule changes and 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: MILLER, Charlotte (4-4)
L: Steinbach, Nicole (13-10)
Batting:
2B: NORCIO, Savanna 1 ; LALLOS, Danielle 1
RBI: NORCIO, Savanna 1
SH: LALLOS, Danielle 1 ; GILBERT, Courtney 1
Base Running:
RUNS: LALLOS, Danielle 1 ; LIS, Adriana 1
SB: EARNHARDT, Ashton 1 ; LALLOS, Danielle 1
Base Running:
SB: Steward, India 1 ; Dabkowski, Emily 1 ; Arnett, Amanda 1 ; McAnally, Leigh 1
CS: McAnally, Leigh 1
