With the score tied 2-2 in the eighth inning Ball State University pinch runner Brian Meyer scored the game-winning run on pitcher Chad Buchignani's wild pitch.
The win over Xavier University gave the Cardinals their fourth win in the last six games.
"It wasn't one of our prettiest wins by any means," designated hitter Matt Gard said. "A win's a win. We could've done a lot of things better. We missed out on a few opportunities early."
Justin Rogers singled to begin the inning and Meyer replaced him in the lineup. Meyer advanced to second when third baseman C.J. Webb doubled.
Two runs in the first two innings gave Ball State an early lead, but the Cardinals were held scoreless for the next five innings while Xavier tied the game.
"We're on, and then we're off," left fielder Chris Pestle said. "We'll have a really good inning, then the next inning we won't put up any [runs]."
First baseman Brad Miller drove in center fielder Mike Sullivan with a single in the first inning. In the second, Pestle scored when catcher Jon Byerly hit an RBI single.
"We talked about the fact that our team's batting average with runners in scoring position is a lot higher than it is with nobody on," coach Greg Beals said. "We made a point of that, and we did do a better job of that today, getting innings started, getting on base early in the inning to help facilitate run production."
Xavier threatened to score in the bottom of the second with the bases loaded and only one out. Ryan Schmidt walked shortstop Matt Waskerwitz, who advanced to third when center fielder Collin Salzenstein hit a double. Right fielder Neil Lindgren's walk loaded the bases.
"The bottom line is he wasn't throwing strikes," Beals said. "I just felt like he wasn't giving us a chance. He was only scheduled to go two innings anyway, and just went and got him one out early."
A pair of Ball State freshmen pitchers ended the inning without giving up any runs. Schmidt struck out third baseman Adam Lipski for the second out, then was relieved by Jay Broughton. Broughton forced designated hitter Sean Brewer to fly out to right field, ending the Xavier scoring threat. He pitched two innings, allowing one hit and striking out three.
"I think Jay Broughton's got a real bright future," Beals said. "Today was his third straight outing where he was very, very good. Now he's gotten comfortable in the college game and is pitching the way he can."
The Muskateers got on board in the fifth inning. Xavier put up two runs, one on an RBI double by Brewer, and the second when left fielder Sean Farrell drove in Brewer with a single. Brewer led both teams with three hits in five at-bats.
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