Ball State's softball team split a doubleheader with Indiana University Tuesday night in a battle for in-state bragging rights.
The Cardinals (16-18, 7-5 Mid-American Conference) lost the first game in a pitcher's dual 1-0. However, the team rebounded to win a back-and-forth contest in the second game, overtaking the Hoosiers 4-3 in extra innings.
"When you look at what we have done all year, we do well battling back," head coach Terri Laux said. "This team never gives up."
Sophomore Randi Freese struck out nine and gave up three hits in the first game. However, on a wild pitch in the 4th inning by Freese, IU managed to score Heather Suca and tally the game's only run.
"It was disappointing," Freese said. "It's tough to get a loss in a game where you pitch so well."
The Cardinals had six hits against Hoosier Kelly Witham, but failed to drive in any runs. They left nine runners stranded on base in the first game.
"It is always tough to lose like that," Laux said. "They capitalized on our mistakes. We also had a lot of missed opportunities. We just could not get a key hit when we needed one."
The second game saw more offense as the Cards took advantage of extra innings to split the series.
With game was tied at two at the end of regulation, Indiana struck first in extra innings, and had a 3-2 lead going into the bottom of the eighth inning.
After being put in for Britni Clark, pinch runner Mandy Snyder was placed on second base to start off the bottom half, and advanced to third following a ground out by Kris Burdine. Shortstop Chris Shea notched a single allowing Snyder to score and tie the game at three.
Then, designated hitter Lyndsay Buckley smashed the game-winning hit, enabling Ball State to split the twin bill with its in-state rivals. It was Buckley's first and only hit of the day.
"It felt really good to finally get a hit," Buckley said, "but I would not have been in that position if it wasn't for my teammates."
Ball State has won 11 of the last 15 games against the Hoosiers.
The team will be in action again Wednesday at home against Bowling Green. The Falcons come into today's game holding third place in the MAC East Division after sweeping Toledo on Tuesday.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
