Ball State University
14-9, 0
.png&width=60&height=60&type=webp)
Western Michigan
6-15, 0
Ball State Extends Win Streak To 5 In Saturday Rout
March 23, 2019 | Baseball
Ricotta slugs, Baker throws gem in 10-3 win
Baker, an All-MAC pitcher, showed he's in peak form after not pitching in the first couple weekends of the season. Baker struck out 11 - and surpassed 200 career Ks in the process -Â and scattered six hits and one walk as the Cardinals' offense took care of the rest.
First baseman John Ricotta continued his tear, going 4-for-5 with a pair of doubles and 4 RBIs. He's batting .600 during Ball State's current 5-game winning streak. With 2 outs in the top of the 1st (Ball State is the visiting team this weekend), Western Michigan intentionally walked Andre Orselli with Ricotta on deck. That backfired as Ricotta roped a 2-run double. He added an RBI single in the 3rd and 4th innings as Ball State slugged its way to a 9-0 lead in the 5th inning. Ricotta, who is 19 for his last 36 dating back to March 9, also doubled and scored in the 6th inning.
"I'm just trying to keep it simple and hit the ball hard," Ricotta said. "I'm focused on barreling balls and good things are happening."
Similarly, centerfielder Aaron Simpson continued his recent tear. He went 3-for-5 with 3 RBIs on Saturday and has 10 hits over the last 3 games.
Western Michigan (6-15, 0-2) managed 7 baserunners on the day pushed a couple runs across against Baker in the 5th and 6th innings. Baker came out for the 7th and struck out the side. He struck out 6 of the last 7 batters he saw. Lukas Jaksich worked the final pair of innings and retired all 6 batters he saw.
Ball State (14-9, 2-0) has an opportunity to sweep WMU with a win Sunday, March 24. The game has been moved up to start at 11 a.m. Fans can follow the Cards on Twitter and Instagram at @BallStateBB.Â
Â
.png&width=84&height=84&quality=100&type=webp)
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Baker, John (2-1)
L: BURCH, Jeffery (1-2)
Batting:
2B: Messina, Ross 1 ; Ricotta, John 2 ; Baker, William 1
3B: Simpson, Aaron 1
RBI: Simpson, Aaron 3 ; Messina, Ross 2 ; Ricotta, John 4 ; Sebby, Chase 1
SH: Murphy, Mack 1
SF: Sebby, Chase 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Simpson, Aaron 2 ; Navarro, Noah 1 ; Messina, Ross 2 ; Orselli, Andre 1 ; Ricotta, John 1 ; Powell, Noah 1 ; Baker, William 2
.png&width=32&height=32&type=webp)
Batting:
2B: DUNN, Blake 1 ; MCINTYRE, Justin 1
RBI: STONE, Andrew 1 ; ROCHE,Jimmy 1 ; FORESTELL, Jesse 1
SH: CHARPING, Connor 1
SF: ROCHE,Jimmy 1
Base Running:
RUNS: STONE, Andrew 1 ; HUDSON, Logan 1 ; MCINTYRE, Justin 1
SB: HAJDUKOVIC, Ethan 1
