Coming off of a thrilling win Tuesday over Indiana, the softball team couldn't continue its success, falling twice to Indiana State, 1-0 and 5-1, Wednesday.
In the first game, Indiana State's lone run came in the bottom of the fifth, when Stephanie Spychaj doubled, driving in Julie Damico. Ball State's best opportunity to score came in the following inning when the bases were loaded, but Taylor Yancey fouled out to third base, and a groundout to second base ended the inning.
The Cardinal's last effort in the seventh came up empty, with three straight batters unable to start a rally.
Ball State finished with four hits in the game, one each by Yancey, Mandy Snyder, Kelli Jeziorski and Alyssa Huffman. Quincy Duran (1-3) pitched all six innings, giving up one run on five hits, and struck out three.
In the second game, Yvette Tovar doubled to score Tiffany Wasniewski in the second inning. Ball State responded with a single by Britni Clark that scored Sarah McGregor. With the score tied at one, Damico doubled and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Jacki Chomicki singled and advanced to second on the unsuccessful throw to home plate.
Two batters later, Spychaj singled, driving home Chomicki, and later Sarah Kothe scored two more runs on an RBI double.
Ball State had seven hits for the game, with three from Yancey. Clark, Huffman, Kris Burdine, and Crystal Newton, added one apiece. Randi Freese (4-9) allowed five runs on nine hits while striking out five in 4 2/3 innings.
The game was called off in the top of the sixth due to lightning.
Ball State's inability to advance and score runners on base was the reason why they lost, coach Terri Laux said.
"We didn't get the hits when we needed them," a disappointed Laux said. "It goes back to our mindset that we take to the box. We have to decide that somehow, some way, we're going to find a way to score those runners."
Darla Dewig, Cortney Patteson and Morgan Metzger did not play, and Dewig and Metzger are out for the year. Laux hopes Patteson can return for this weekend.
Ball State, now 9-22 overall, play Mid-American Conference rival Ohio at home on Friday, and again Saturday. The Cardinals are currently tied for first place in the MAC West Division with Central Michigan at 2-1.
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