The softball team scored four unearned runs on the way to its doubleheader split at Ohio on Wednesday. The Cardinals won the second game, 5-2, but lost the first, 3-1.
Ball State (17-33, 4-12 Mid-American Conference) scored its four unearned runs coming off six Bobcat errors to stop a three-game skid. Nicki Hellem (8-10) picked up the win, allowing one earned run on five hits.
The Cards dropped the first game after allowing two runs in the fifth. Amy Brownfield (7-10) took the loss, allowing eight hits and striking out six.
"We should have been able to win two [games] today," coach Terri Laux said. "I still thought we had a chance to make it to the [MAC] Tournament, but we needed to win two."
The top three teams in each division make it to the MAC Tournament and two other teams make it based on record.
The Cards were led by Alyssa Huffman's two hits in game one. Katie Pilger drove in the lone run on a fielder's choice.
Ball State outhit the Bobcats 6-5 in game two. All but one of the Cards' runs came in the fifth inning with two outs.
Taylor Yancey singled up the middle and advanced to third after a balk and wild pitch. Abby Gross knocked in the only earned run for the Cards with a single up the middle. The Cards scored four runs on four hits and three errors in the inning.
"We made some pretty good adjustments to their pitcher," Laux said.
Ball State added another run in the sixth. Sarah McGregor walked and scored following a fielding error off the bat of Quincy Duran.
Ohio (18-32, 4-12 MAC) scored its final run in the seventh. The run was unearned following a Ball State fielding error. The Bobcats left two stranded as Hellem escaped with the win.
"Nicki threw well," Laux said. "It was good to see her throw well and show some good control. Hopefully, she will get back to being an aggressive pitcher again."
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