Big Sixth Innings Lead to Friday Softball Spilt at CMU

Friday, April 26

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

1 p.m.

Ball State University

32-16, 9-6

Central Michigan (GM 1)

18-24-1, 8-7-1

Ball State

Central Michigan

Big Sixth Innings Lead to Friday Softball Spilt at CMU

April 26, 2019 | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. - - Big innings were the name of the game Friday at Margo Jonker Stadium, as the Ball State softball team used a five-run sixth to open its final Mid-American Conference series with a 7-4 victory over Central Michigan.

Unfortunately, the Cardinals (32-17; 9-7 MAC) saw the Chippewas (19-24-1; 9-7-1 MAC) turn the tables in the nightcap, using a five-run sixth of its own to win the second game 8-3.

The opener saw Ball State strike first, loading the bases with one out in the top of the first to set up a sacrifice fly from sophomore right fielder Kendall Fields to give the guests a 1-0 lead.

It was a short-lived lead, however, as Central Michigan responded with three runs of its own in the bottom of the frame. CMU would go on to take a 4-1 lead with another run in the bottom of the second.

Junior designated player Janae Hogg cut the Chippewas lead back to two, at 4-2, with her eight home run of the season, a one-out solo blast to right center field in the third.

Following a scoreless fourth and fifth inning, the Ball State offense broke out in a big way in the sixth, striking for four hits and five runs to pull ahead 7-4.

Freshman second baseman Amaia Daniel was hit by a pitch to open the rally, while Fields followed with her second hit of the game, a double to right field. Junior left fielder Kennedy Wynn followed with an RBI single to left, cutting the CMU lead to 4-3.

After Wynn stole second, senior first baseman Annie Robinson tied the game with a sac fly to center field. Following a Chippewas pitching change, freshman pitcher Sarah Venker drove in what proved to be the game-winning run with a hard single off the CMU third baseman's glove.

The Cardinals sixth run of the game came courtesy of an RBI double from junior center fielder Haley Dominique after sophomore shortstop Hailey Demnianiuk reentered for Venker at first. Two wild pitches later, Dominique came around to score the game's final run, making the score 7-4.

Venker earned the win in the circle, improving to 13-4 on the year, after entering in the fifth and throwing 1.2 innings of no-hit, no-run ball.

Junior closer Alyssa Rothwell threw the final 1.1 innings, picking up her NCAA-leading 13th save of the season. She retired all four batters she faced, while improving her Ball State and MAC single-season saves record.

Freshman Tieghan Morio started the game, allowing four hits and three earned runs over 4.0 innings of work. She also struck out one batter.

In the nightcap, it was Central Michigan which struck first with a one-out RBI double to left field in the bottom of the first.

However, sophomore third baseman Stacy Payton opened the top of the second with her first of three hits, a triple to right field. A wild pitch then brought her home to tie the score at 1-1.

Payton would then homer to open the fourth inning, giving Ball State a 2-1 advantage. Once again, it was a short-lived lead, as CMU countered with a two-run home run in the bottom of the inning to reclaim the lead at 3-2.

Following a scoreless fifth inning, Ball State was able to even the score in the top of the sixth courtesy of a sacrifice fly from Wynn and some fast running from freshman pinch runner Kim Manuel.

After Payton singled down the right field line with one out, Manuel entered to pinch run. Daniel followed with a double through the left side, giving BSU a pair of runners in scoring position. Wynn followed with a fly to shallow left field and Manuel took advantage of her speed tagging up at third and sliding her hand under the CMU catcher's glove to slap the plate to even the score.

Unfortunately, CMU countered with five runs in the bottom of the inning and went on to win the game 8-3.

Overall, seven different Cardinals recorded RBIs on the day, led by one in each game from Wynn. Payton led the offense with four hits over the two games, including three in the nightcap.

Ball State and Central Michigan will conclude their three-game series Saturday with a scheduled 1 p.m. first pitch at Margo Jonker Stadium.

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