Baker Wins Twice, Cards Take Both Over Miami

MUNCIE - A final home series with a lot to play for, the stands packed with scouts all while facing a future big-bonus 100 mph arm. When Ball State's best was needed, the Cardinals delivered, sweeping a doubleheader over Miami and allowing just two runs on the day. BSU moved to 36-18 on the year and 27-11 in conference play.

John Baker (9-3) earned the win in both games and Decker Scheffler hit a walk-off single in the first game for Ball State to win 1-0 over Miami fireballer Sam Bachman. The Cards then jumped all over Miami's usual Friday starter and run-ruled the visitors 12-2 in the second game.

BSU and Miami will finish the regular season Sunday with a 7-inning game and a 9-inning game beginning at 11 a.m.

GAME 1 - Ball State 1, Miami 0 (7 innings) (BOX SCORE)
In a showdown of projected MLB Draft picks, Chayce McDermott and Bachman matched zeroes in front of a couple dozen pro scouts before the Cards got the game-winner in the 7th. Scheffler, who had two of Ball State's three hits, delivered the game-winner to left field. Ross Messina bunted his way on to start the inning and became the first Cardinal to reach 3rd base against Bachman after a sac bunt and a groundout. Scheffler then went opposite field to score Messina and to incite the celebration.

THAT'S A WALKOFF CARDINALS WIN! @5_deck with the RBI single and we win 1-0! pic.twitter.com/ia3PAEE03C
— Ball State Baseball (@BallStateBB) May 29, 2021

McDermott pitched into the 7th, striking out nine and allowing six baserunners. Only one runner reached 3rd base for Miami, and only three even reached 2nd base. Baker came in with no outs in the 7th and racked up three strikeouts to set the stage for the walkoff. Bachman (4-4) finished with nine strikeouts and no walks, allowing three hits.

GAME 2 - Ball State 12, Miami 2 (8 innings) (BOX SCORE)
With each team's usual Friday starter going in the second game, it appeared as another pitchers' duel would be on tap. But Ball State ended that idea quickly, pouncing for five runs in the bottom of the 2nd and run-ruling Miami in eight innings behind a gem from Baker.

In his final home start, Baker struck out 14 and allowed one earned run in his fourth complete game of the year. He exited to a round of applause from the crowd and hugs from teammates. With 27 wins and 404 career strikeouts, it was a fitting ending to one of the storied individual careers in Ball State baseball history.

The big inning included a 2-run homer from Noah Navarro and a 2-run double from Ryan Peltier. The Cards poured it on from there, leading 10-2 when Simpson led off the 8th with a double. After two walks, team batting average leader Nick Powell smacked a 2-run single to end the game.

Ball State, with 36 wins and tremendous starting pitching, is two games back of Central Michigan but is in the conversation for a spot in an NCAA Regional. As of Saturday night, the Cardinals are 49th in RPI and a non-conference RPI ranked 13th.

I'm going to go ahead and say it, the committee should have @BallStateBB in the tournament. I love that one-two punch with Baker and McDermott. https://t.co/koMGMfuAhp
— Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogers) May 29, 2021

Next Event

Team Stats

Nick Powell

Ryan Peltier

Chase Sebby

Noah Navarro

Players Mentioned

John Baker

Chayce McDermott

Ross Messina

Noah Navarro

Ryan Peltier

Nick Powell

Decker Scheffler

Players Mentioned

John Baker

Chayce McDermott

Ross Messina

Noah Navarro

Ryan Peltier

Nick Powell

Decker Scheffler