Friday, April 27
Ypsilanti, MICH.
3:00 PM
Ball State University
30-16, 12-6
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Eastern Michigan
9-34, 5-13
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Ball State
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Eastern Michigan
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Photo by: Robert Goldberg
Miles Electrifying in Softball’s 5-0 Win at Eastern Michigan
April 27, 2018 | Softball
YPSILANTI, Mich.- - Behind an electrifying performance from starting pitcher Aeshia Miles, the Ball State softball team opened a three-game Mid-American Conference series at Eastern Michigan with a 5-0 victory Friday afternoon at EMU's Varsity Field.
The only thing which could slow down Miles in the circle; a 55-minute lighting delay on a what was perhaps the best weather the Cardinals (30-16; 12-6 MAC) have played in since opening league play.
Miles entered the lighting delay having retired the first eight batters she faced, including a string of four consecutive strikeouts before the first bolt was detected about four miles north of the field.
Rain never followed, and 55-minutes later after the lighting moved off, Miles returned to the circle and continued her dominating performance over the Eagles (9-34; 5-13 MAC).
"Aeshia threw a gem and we did a great job coming up with big hits when we needed them," head coach Megan Ciolli Bartlett said. "Aeshia was in control the entire game. Anytime we can jump out to an early lead, and Aeshia cruises along like she did today, it's going to be a good day."
Miles did not allow a baserunner until a two-out hit batter in the fourth, while a two-out sixth inning error set up EMU's lone hit of the game in the next at bat. Overall, Miles struck out eight batters in the game, while allowing just one hit and not issuing a single walk. She improved to 16-8 on the year and lowered her ERA to 2.20.
"It was really nice to see Aeshia come out and pitch like she did today," Bartlett added. "She is settling in a little bit more on the mound and trusting her spin more which is going to be key in us winning a championship."
Sophomore Janae Hogg provided all the run support Miles needed, as the Cardinals loaded the bases in the first inning on back-to-back walks and an error, before a sac fly from Hogg drove in the game's first run.
Senior second baseman Maddy Labrador extended Ball State's lead to 3-0 in the top of the fourth, blasting a two-out, two run home run to center field. Labrador's 11th home run of the season also drove in freshman pinch runner Katie Janiga who entered the game for junior right fielder Madison Lee who singled with one out.
Sophomore left fielder Haley Dominique drove in Ball State's final two runs with a two-out, two-run double in the sixth. Janiga singled to open the inning and junior catcher Olivia Huffman drew a two-out walk to set up Dominique's two-run hit.
"Our batters did a really nice job taking loose hacks today," Bartlett said. "They looked calm and confident at the plate, and the results showed. If we can stay locked in and continue to do things the way we did today, and get some very sharp performances on the mound, we can have a big weekend."
After six strong innings from Miles, freshman closer Alyssa Rothwell entered the game to throw the final inning for Ball State. She went on to retire the Eagles in order in the seventh, including getting the final batter of the game swinging.
Ball State and Eastern Michigan conclude their three-game series Saturday with a 1 p.m. doubleheader back at Varsity Field.
For the most up-to-date news on Ball State softball, follow the team on Twitter: @BallStateSB, @CoachCBartlett & @BallStateSports / Instagram: ballstatesb / Facebook: BallStateSB.
The only thing which could slow down Miles in the circle; a 55-minute lighting delay on a what was perhaps the best weather the Cardinals (30-16; 12-6 MAC) have played in since opening league play.
Miles entered the lighting delay having retired the first eight batters she faced, including a string of four consecutive strikeouts before the first bolt was detected about four miles north of the field.
Rain never followed, and 55-minutes later after the lighting moved off, Miles returned to the circle and continued her dominating performance over the Eagles (9-34; 5-13 MAC).
"Aeshia threw a gem and we did a great job coming up with big hits when we needed them," head coach Megan Ciolli Bartlett said. "Aeshia was in control the entire game. Anytime we can jump out to an early lead, and Aeshia cruises along like she did today, it's going to be a good day."
Miles did not allow a baserunner until a two-out hit batter in the fourth, while a two-out sixth inning error set up EMU's lone hit of the game in the next at bat. Overall, Miles struck out eight batters in the game, while allowing just one hit and not issuing a single walk. She improved to 16-8 on the year and lowered her ERA to 2.20.
"It was really nice to see Aeshia come out and pitch like she did today," Bartlett added. "She is settling in a little bit more on the mound and trusting her spin more which is going to be key in us winning a championship."
Sophomore Janae Hogg provided all the run support Miles needed, as the Cardinals loaded the bases in the first inning on back-to-back walks and an error, before a sac fly from Hogg drove in the game's first run.
Senior second baseman Maddy Labrador extended Ball State's lead to 3-0 in the top of the fourth, blasting a two-out, two run home run to center field. Labrador's 11th home run of the season also drove in freshman pinch runner Katie Janiga who entered the game for junior right fielder Madison Lee who singled with one out.
Sophomore left fielder Haley Dominique drove in Ball State's final two runs with a two-out, two-run double in the sixth. Janiga singled to open the inning and junior catcher Olivia Huffman drew a two-out walk to set up Dominique's two-run hit.
"Our batters did a really nice job taking loose hacks today," Bartlett said. "They looked calm and confident at the plate, and the results showed. If we can stay locked in and continue to do things the way we did today, and get some very sharp performances on the mound, we can have a big weekend."
After six strong innings from Miles, freshman closer Alyssa Rothwell entered the game to throw the final inning for Ball State. She went on to retire the Eagles in order in the seventh, including getting the final batter of the game swinging.
Ball State and Eastern Michigan conclude their three-game series Saturday with a 1 p.m. doubleheader back at Varsity Field.
For the most up-to-date news on Ball State softball, follow the team on Twitter: @BallStateSB, @CoachCBartlett & @BallStateSports / Instagram: ballstatesb / Facebook: BallStateSB.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Miles, Aeshia (16-8)
L: MIRANDA, Nicolle (3-17)
Batting:
2B: Dominique, Haley 1 ; Payton, Stacy 1
HR: Labrador, Maddy 1
RBI: Labrador, Maddy 2 ; Dominique, Haley 2 ; Hogg, Janae 1
SH: Hopper, Brittany 1
SF: Hogg, Janae 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Labrador, Maddy 2 ; Huffman, Olivia 1 ; Janiga, Katie 1 ; Hopper, Brittany 1
SB: Labrador, Maddy 1
HBP: Robinson, Annie 1 ; Hopper, Brittany 1
Base Running:
HBP: HOSTETLER, Haley 1
Game Leaders
AB
3
R
2
H
1
RBI
2
AB
4
R
0
H
1
RBI
2
AB
1
R
0
H
1
RBI
1
AB
4
R
0
H
1
RBI
0
Players Mentioned
OF
/ SoftballINF
/ Softball
C
/ Softball
OF
/ SoftballINF
/ Softball
C
/ Softball
RHP
/ Softball
RHP
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