Ball State's record for most saves in a season might fall when the Cardinals host IPFW today at Ball Diamond at 3 p.m.
Erik Morrison tied the record of 12, set in 1996 by Nick Witte, against Western Michigan on Friday. Morrison leads the NCAA in that category heading into this week. Besides the Mastadon's offense, the only thing that might delay Morrison earning the record could be the weather. Rain is forecasted during the afternoon.
Coach Greg Beals called Morrison a "hard-working young man who's taken every advantage of his opportunity."
Beals also said that in a way, Morrison's individual record is a team record.
"We've got to have runs to get the lead," Beals said. "We've got to have starting pitching that holds the lead. It's Erik's honor, but we've kind of taken it as a team thing."
The Cardinals (25-11) have continued their winning ways since their 12-game winning streak was snapped in early April, winning four in a row and five of their last six. Throughout the season, Ball State has made late comebacks, including Friday's win against Western Michigan. The Cardinals fell behind 2-0 in the third before scoring twice in the ninth. Justin Rogers scored the game-winning run on a ground out to second base in the 10th inning.
Beals said the team has a natural competitiveness about it that allows the Cardinals to pull through in clutch situations.
"It goes back to what we've tried to instill from the get-go with our ball club," he said. "From day one, we've talked about competitive toughness. I think the guys are starting to buy into that a little bit."
Ben Snyder is slated to start against IPFW after not getting to pitch over the weekend. The Cardinals' games against WMU on Saturday and Sunday were canceled because of the weather. Snyder (5-3), the normal Saturday starter, has a 5.09 ERA in nine starts.
IPFW enters the game with a 19-15 record. The Mastadons have some offensive weapons, including designated hitter Sean Kirk, who is 10th in the nation in batting average at .411.
"IPFW is dangerous -- they're out of conference," Beals said. "They're going to come down to Ball State looking to pick up a win against one of the state's best."
Kyle Dygert leads the Cardinals with a .351 batting average, with Mike Sullivan just trailing at .347.
Wednesday the Cards travel south to take on another in-state rival -- Butler. The Bulldogs fell to 13-22 with Monday's 16-0 loss to Miami (Ohio).
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