Softball Drops Tuesday Thriller To Butler

Tuesday, March 24

Muncie, IN

4 p.m.

Ball State University

12-13

Butler

14-9

Butler

Ball State

Photo by: Katrina Shammami, CMU

March 24, 2026 | Softball

Box Score Box Score: Ball State 6 - Butler 7

MUNCIE, Ind. - - Despite rallying to tie the game at 5-5 in the bottom of the third inning, the Ball State softball team could not hold onto the momentum Tuesday in a 7-6 non-conference setback to Butler at the Ball State Softball Stadium.

The Bulldogs (14-9) opened the scoring with a three-run first inning. However, Cardinals' (12-13) senior designated player Ella Whitney brought the home team back within one courtesy of her eighth home run of the season, a two-run no-doubter to deep center field.

While Butler went on to add single runs in the second and third innings, reclaiming the three-run lead at 5-2, Ball State would battle back in the home half of the third, capitalizing on a Bulldogs error to plate three runs. The final of which came on a double steal with junior shortstop Maia Pietrzak swiping home on the throw to get the trail runner at second.

Unfortunately, Butler's first two batters in the top of the fifth went yard to give the guests a 7-5 edge. Ball State would get one back on a lead off single from Pietrzak, followed by an RBI double from Whitney in the bottom of the frame. However, BSU was unable to compete the comeback.

Whitney finished the game 3-for-4 with four RBI and one run scored. Pietrzak went 2-for-4 with two runs scores, while senior left fielder Ashlee Lovett also scored a pair of runs.

The Ball State softball team is schedule to open a three-game road series at Toledo on Friday with a 3 p.m. first pitch at Scott Park.