The last road trip before the Ball State University baseball team's home opener Friday didn't end on a positive note.
After defeating Southern Illinois University 10-5 in Tuesday's season opener, the Cardinals fell 10-8 on Wednesday in Carbondale, Ill. With the series split, Ball State's record remains at .500 before its home opening, four-game series against Chicago State University.
Freshman right hander Cal Bowling (1-0) earned his first win, pitching 3 2/3 scoreless innings in relief of fellow freshman Justin Warrington. Bowling struck out four, walked one and did not allow a hit.
Third baseman Kolbrin Vitek went 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBIs, two runs and two walks. Catcher Zach Dygert also drove in three runs and center fielder Jeremy Hazelbaker and second baseman Nate Fields each notched three hits.
Senior right hander Brenden Stines (0-2) allowed eight runs in 3 2/3 innings, but two were earned. The Cardinals committed four errors, while the Salukis weren't charged with one.
The Cardinals attempted a comeback, scoring four runs in the final three innings. In the ninth inning, they twice brought the tying run to the plate, but freshman first baseman Ian Nielsen grounded into a double play and shortstop T.J. Baumet struck out to end the game.
Left fielder Kory Benbow went 4-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs. Dygert again drove in three runs. The Cardinals also stranded nine runners on the base.
Ball State finishes the Spring Break road trip with a 2-4 record, after dropping three games at the University of Missouri during the weekend.
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