Big Inning Helps Softball Earn Friday Split at Miami

Friday, April 17

Oxford, OH

3 p.m.

Ball State University

16-24, 3-16

Miami

32-13, 13-6

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Ball St.	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	3	5	1
Miami (Ohio)	0	1	1	1	2	2	X	7	12	1

Ball State softball team celebrates a home run att he Ball State Softball Stadium

Big Inning Helps Softball Earn Friday Split at Miami

April 17, 2026 | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

OXFORD, Ohio - - The Ball State softball team used an eight-run fourth inning in Friday's nightcap to secure a doubleheader split versus Miami at the Miami Softball Stadium.

Leading 2-1 entering the fourth inning courtesy of a two-run double from sophomore shortstop Addison Zimpleman in the top of the first, the Cardinals (17-24; 4-16 MAC) used four bases loaded walks and a bases loaded hit by pitch to take complete control of the game.

The final three tallies of the frame came from a bases-clearing double from senior first baseman Lindsey DeRoeck, extending the lead to 10-1. It was DeRoeck's second double of the game and team-leading 15th of the season.

Zimpleman also drew one of the three bases-loaded walks to tie with DeRoeck for game-high honors with three RBIs apiece.

Overall, the Cardinals finished the game with 10 runs and six hits, while drawing seven walks and being hit by two pitches.

In the circle, redshirt junior Bridie Murphy picked up the win, throwing the final 3.0 innings and allowing just three hits to a RedHawks squad which leads the league in batting average. Freshman Grace Gray started the contest, throwing the first 2.0 innings and allowing three hits and one run.

In the opener, the RedHawks (32-14; 13-7 MAC) jumped out to a one-run lead with an RBI single in the second inning. The Cardinals counted with a three-run third with the first two runs scoring on a single to left field by redshirt senior left fielder Jessica Hoffman.

In the next at bat, senior pitcher/designated player Ella Whitney smashed an RBI double to center, pushing Ball State ahead by two.

Unfortunately, the RedHawks used an RBI single in the bottom of the third and four home runs over the following three innings to claim the 7-3 victory.

Ball State is scheduled to close its three-game series at Miami Saturday afternoon with a 1 p.m. first pitch at the Miami Softball Stadium.