After a disappointing split against IPFW earlier this week, the softball team will travel to Mount Pleasant, Mich., for a three-game series against Central Michigan. The teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday, before finishing play on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Ball State (14-27, 1-6 Mid-American Conference) has gotten off to a slow start in conference play. The Cardinals were swept by Toledo and Bowling Green, but earned a split against Eastern Michigan.
Unlike the Cardinals, Central Michigan has started off hot in conference play by winning all eight games. The Chippewas (17-8, 8-0 MAC) have won 11 of their last 12 games.
Coach Terri Laux knows her team will have to heat up offensively in order to be successful this weekend. The Cards' team batting average sits at .208.
"Obviously, we have to get our offense on track," Laux said. "We really have to go in there with an attitude that we can win. And we have to be able to play our best games. Central is a team that is playing well right now, and a team that does the little things that puts themselves in great position to win."
In addition to the low team batting average, the Cards have had trouble scoring runs with runners in scoring position. BSU stranded six runners, including three in scoring position, in a 2-0 loss to IPFW.
"The problem that we're finding is that we are just very inconsistent with what we do," Laux said. "The hard part is that it's not just one or two people -- it's pretty much the whole lineup. And if that happens, you're not going to be very successful."
The Cardinals aren't struggling in all aspects of the game, however. The pitching has steadily improved over the past few weeks, lowering the team ERA to 4.06. Amy Brownfield has a 0.88 ERA in five MAC appearance, while Nikki Hellem owns a 2.86 ERA in four conference starts.
"They're keeping us in the games -- as is the defense," Laux said. "Now we just need to score some runs to help them out a little bit."
Also returning to the pitching rotation is Randi Freese. The senior has been out for the past month due to mononucleosis. Freese pitched the final inning against IPFW, allowing just one walk and no hits.
"She's still not 100 percent," Laux said. "But I think it's gonna help us in the long run because it will give us a totally different look than what Amy and Nikki do. She throws something completely different than what those two do, so if anything, it's gonna keep everybody a little off balance."
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