Ball State University softball coach Terri Laux had two goals for her team yesterday: to win both games of a doubleheader against Indiana State University and to get the team ready for this weekend's Mid-American Conference games against Miami University.
The Cardinals (12-20, 5-7 MAC) were only able to accomplish one of these goals as they split both games of the doubleheader, winning game one 3-0 and losing a game two to the Sycamores (19-21) 4-2.
"We were able to go 1-1, but in all honesty we are better than them and we should have won both games," Laux said. "We just did not dominate like we needed to do and didn't score enough runs in game two. We had chances but just didn't score."
In game one, Cardinal pitcher Amanda Pick held Indiana State scoreless through all seven innings of play and pitched a complete game six-hitter. This shutout marked the second consecutive game that Pick has pitched a complete game shutout, and Pick has now only given up one run in her past 20 innings of work.
"[Pick] is doing what we need her to do and we just need to keep giving her that run support when she is out on the mound," Laux said.
In game two, Nicki Hellem, who made her first appearance since April 2, gave up four runs in five innings and suffered her third loss of the season.
"Nicki did well for not having thrown in a really long time," Laux said. "In the second game we just didn't get the timely hits needed but it's hard to defend against walks and home runs."
Currently, the Cardinals enter the game against the Redhawks in fourth place in the MAC West Division with about three weeks remaining in the regular season.
"Right now it is crunch time and every MAC game is important," Laux said. "This is definitely a big weekend for us and we want to have control over our own destiny so we aren't worried about other people winning or losing."
If Ball State is to make a run at the postseason it may come down to the team's ability to produce offensively. After being shut out three times last week, the Cardinals have averaged just over seven hits per game in their last four games, including 16 total hits in both games of the double-header against Indiana State.
"We are now being patient and have that aggressive mindset when we are getting into the box and we are looking to drive the ball," Laux said.
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