Wynn's 4 RBIs, Miles 10 Ks Lead Softball Past FAU

BOCA RATON, FLA. - - Led by strong performances from sophomore outfielder Kennedy Wynn and junior pitcher Aeshia Miles, the Ball State softball team scored a 5-3 victory over Florida Atlantic Thursday to close the opening day of the FAU Parents' Weekend Tournament.

Wynn blasted a two-run, go-ahead home run in the top of the sixth and followed with a two-run double in the seventh to add a pair of insurance runs for the Cardinals (13-7). Wynn, who also singled in the first inning, finished the game 3-for-4 with 4 RBIs and a run scored.

Meanwhile, Miles continued to deal in the circle, striking out 10 batters and limiting the Owls (11-11) to eight hits and three runs, only two of which were earned.

Ball State opened the tournament with a 6-1 loss to Pitt despite senior pitcher Carolyn Wilmes striking out a season-high nine batters over 4.0 innings of work. The Panthers (12-7-1), unfortunately, were able to counter with four home runs to pull out the victory.

The Cardinals continue play in the FAU Parents' Weekend Tournament Friday with games versus LIU-Brooklyn (9 a.m.) and Florida A&M (1:30 p.m.).

The Cardinals and Blackbirds will be meeting for the second time this season, as Ball State earned a 10-2 (5) win over LIU-Brooklyn in the second game of the season at the FGCU Kickoff Classic.

GAME 2 RECAP: Ball State 5 - FAU 3

Ball State broke onto the scoreboard first in Thursday's nightcap, courtesy of a RBI single in the top of the second from sophomore left fielder Haley Dominique. Senior first baseman Danae King scored on the play after reaching base on an illegal pitch walk to open the inning and advancing to second on a groundout by freshman center fielder Katie Janiga.

Unfortunately, a pair of defensive miscues on a FAU sacrifice bunt attempt allowed the hosts to pull ahead 2-1 in the bottom of the third.

With runners at second and third and no outs, the Cardinals tried to make the force play at home on the bunt. The runner beat the throw, however, and the Cardinals tried to get the batter out going to second which allowed the second run to score from third on the throw.

After being retired in order in the fourth and fifth innings, the Ball State offense found life again in the sixth starting with a single through the left side by senior second baseman Maddy Labrador. Wynn followed with a two-run blast to left field, her fourth home run of the season, to give the Cardinals a 3-2 advantage.

Ball State struck again in the seventh starting with a leadoff single from Dominique. After a sac bunt and a strikeout, Labrador drew a walk to give Ball State a pair of base runners. Wynn followed with a two-run double down the left field line, giving Ball State a 5-2 edge.

FAU looked poised to battle back in the bottom of the seventh, taking advantage of a leadoff single and a Ball State error to put runners at second and third with no outs.

However, a heads up play by junior catcher Olivia Huffman led to the first out of the inning and killed FAU's momentum. On a ball in the dirt which kicked away from Huffman, the FAU runner at third tried to come home. However, Huffman was able to track down the ball and make a diving tag on the runner before she touched the plate to save a run.

The Owls would score on a sacrifice fly later in the same at bat, but without any more baserunners, Miles was able to force a pop to second to end the game.

Overall, Miles struck out double-digit batters for the second time in three games and held the Owls to three runs (two earned) and eight hits over 7.0 innings of work. She also continued her solid defensive play, recording a pair of defensive assists.

GAME 1 RECAP: Pitt 6 - Ball State 1

In Thursday's opener, the Panthers were able to use a gusty wind to left field to their advantage, blasting four home runs to that side of the field to score a 6-1 victory.

Wilmes looked strong early, striking out the first two batters of the game, but a single and two-run shot to left followed, giving Pitt an early 2-0 edge.

The guest Panthers would add three more runs in the fourth, all on solo homers, to chase Wilmes from the game.

Aside from the four home runs, Wilmes had a solid outing, striking out a season-high nine batters, one shy of her career high, over 4.0 innings.

Pitt extended its lead to 6-0 in the top of the sixth, capitalizing on a BSU error to score an unearned run off of relief pitcher Alyssa Rothwell. It was the lone run Rothwell surrendered, however, as she struck out two and limited the Panthers to three hits over her 3.0 innings of work.

After holding Ball State to just one hit through the first five innings, Pitt pitcher Sarah Dawson was taken out of the game for reliever Taylor Rahach. The switch nearly proved disastrous for the Panthers, however, as the Cardinals lit up the new pitcher.

Janiga started the inning with an infield single, while Dominique drew a walk in the next at bat. Freshman shortstop Hailey Demnianiuk followed with a RBI single to left to bring in Ball State's first run of the game. Another walk to sophomore designated player Janae Hogg loaded the bases and forced Pitt's head coach to reenter Dawson.

Dawson responded to the adversity by inducing a pair of grounders, one to get the lead runner at home and the second to get an inning-ending double play and keep the score 6-1.

Ball State was then retired in order in the seventh to end the game.

For the most up-to-date news on Ball State softball, follow the team on Twitter: @BallStateSB, @CoachCBartlett & @BallStateSports / Instagram: ballstatesb / Facebook: BallStateSB.

Next Event

Team Stats

Hailey Demnianiuk

Janae Hogg

Katie Janiga

Haley Dominique

Players Mentioned

Hailey Demnianiuk

Haley Dominique

Janae Hogg

Olivia Huffman

Katie Janiga

Danae King

Maddy Labrador

Aeshia Miles

Alyssa Rothwell

Carolyn Wilmes

Kennedy Wynn

Players Mentioned

Hailey Demnianiuk

Haley Dominique

Janae Hogg

Olivia Huffman

Katie Janiga

Danae King

Maddy Labrador

Aeshia Miles

Alyssa Rothwell

Carolyn Wilmes

Kennedy Wynn