Cardinals shutout Falcons, sweep series

Freshman pitcher Carolyn Wilmes throws the ball to first base during the second game of the double header against Western Kentucky at First Merchants Ballpark Complex on March 21. DN PHOTO ALAINA JAYE HALSEY
Freshman pitcher Carolyn Wilmes throws the ball to first base during the second game of the double header against Western Kentucky at First Merchants Ballpark Complex on March 21. DN PHOTO ALAINA JAYE HALSEY

MAC West Division Standings

Northern Illinois - 20-15 (6-1)

Ball State - 21-19 (7-2)

Central Michigan - 15-16 (5-3)

Western Michigan - 12-18 (4-3)

Eastern Michigan - 9-24 (1-6)

Toledo - 14-24 (1-8)


Carolyn Wilmes pitched 4.2 innings, allowing three hits, while striking out two and walking one. She threw 73 pitches, 42 for strikes. It was Wilmes' first shut out of the season, and her sixth victory of the year. 

"Wilmes has been working hard and her performance showed [it]," Ball State head coach Tyra Perry said. "I'm looking forward to similar performances as the season moves forward."

The Cardinals' hitters supported Wilmes with an explosive offensive outing, registering 11 hits to add to their conference-leading hit total. It was the 12th time this season Ball State has finished a game with 10 or more hits.  

"It was a great sign that we were able to hit from about every part of the lineup," Perry said. "As long as we can keep doing that ... we will continue to win." 

The Cardinals scored three runs in the top of the first, one in the second and one in the fourth to make the score 5-0. Junior shortstop Selena Reyna added to Ball State's lead with her sixth home run of the season, a three-run shot in the fifth. 

With Ball State up by more than eight runs after the fifth inning the mercy rule came into effect and the game was ended.  

With the win, the Cardinals improve to 21-19 on the season and 7-2 in conference play, remaining in first place in the West Division and tied for second best in the MAC. 

Ball State will once again step away from MAC play and host in-state rival Butler on April 14. The game will start at 3 p.m. at the Varsity Softball Complex. Butler is currently 16-22 on the year. 

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