Softball Falls Run Short in CMU Series Opener

MUNCIE, Ind.- - Junior catcher Olivia Huffman and sophomore left fielder Haley Dominique tallied two hits apiece, unfortunately, those were the only four hits for the Ball State softball team in a 2-1 loss to Central Michigan in the series opener Friday afternoon at the Softball Field at First Merchants Ballpark Complex.

The Cardinals (27-16, 9-6 Mid-American Conference) held an early 1-0 lead courtesy of an RBI single from Dominique in the bottom of the third.

However, the Chippewas (19-18; 9-6 MAC) were able to capitalize on a key hit and several Ball State defensive miscues to score single runs in both the fifth and sixth innings to escape with the 2-1 victory.

FROM COACH BARTLETT:
"Today's game was a well-fought battle. We just weren't able to come up with a big hit when it mattered.

"Aeshia looked much better on the mound, which was exciting to see. Alyssa also came in and did her job. CMU just managed to sneak a little bleeder into center field to drive in the game-winning run.

"Central Michigan came up with a big hit when it mattered, and we just couldn't push another run across the plate."

BREAKING DOWN THE GAME:
• Both pitchers were locked in early, with neither team recording a hit until a two-out single from Ball State junior catcher Olivia Huffman in the bottom of the third.

• Luckily, the Cardinals were able to follow with another hit, as a single from sophomore Haley Dominique through the right side drove home the first run of the game in freshman Hailey Demnianiuk who opened the inning with a walk.

• CMU followed with its first two hits with one out in the top of the fourth, but following a walk to load the bases, Ball State junior pitcher Aeshia Miles was able to get a force play at home and a strikeout to end the inning.

• Unfortunately, the Chippewas third hit was a one-out triple in the fifth which fell just in front of a diving Ball State right fielder. Then, a passed ball on a squeeze play allowed the tying run to cross the plate.

• With runners at first and second with one out in the sixth, the Chippewas capitalized on a Ball State error to load the bases. Then, the guests were able to get a blooper from Sara Hansen to shallow center field to drive in what proved to be the game-winning run.

• Miles suffered the pitching loss for the Cardinals despite limiting CMU to five hits and two runs (one earned) over 5.1 innings of work. She also struck out three batters.

• Alyssa Rothwell threw the final 1.2 innings for Ball State, allowing just one hit and striking out one.

NEXT UP
The Ball State softball team closes the home portion of its 2018 slate tomorrow with a scheduled 1 p.m. doubleheader versus Central Michigan.

Following Saturday's second game, the Cardinals will honor its five-member senior class of Carolyn Wilmes, Maddy Labrador, Cadie O'Donnell, Danae King and Brittany Hopper. The team will also honor long-time manager Emily Neumann for her contributions to the program.

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

Players Mentioned

Hailey Demnianiuk

Haley Dominique

Brittany Hopper

Olivia Huffman

Danae King

Maddy Labrador

Aeshia Miles

Cadie O'Donnell

Alyssa Rothwell

Carolyn Wilmes