It was an inconsistent weekend for the Ball State softball team.
Finishing the Miami Tournament on Sunday with a record of 2-2, Ball State continued its problems with inconsistent pitching and hitting going into Mid-American Conference play this week in Ohio.
In its first game against Toledo Saturday, Ball State scored six runs on nine hits. Junior right-handed pitcher Kim Mazzapica pitched all seven innings for Ball State, giving up two runs and five hits.
Freshman first baseman Taylor Rager led the way offensively for Ball State, going 1-for-2 with three RBIs. Senior center fielder Lisa Rozanski added three hits, two stolen bases and an RBI.
In the afternoon game against Marshall, Ball State continued its balance of high-powered offense with excellent pitching. The Cardinals scored 10 runs on 13 hits while giving up only two runs and four hits. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Audra Sanders picked up the win for Ball State, striking out three batters to go along with four hits and two runs.
Rager continued to show her offensive prowess, going 3-for-3 with a home run, a walk and four RBIs.
Against the Thundering Herd on Sunday, the Cardinals gave up eight runs in the top of the sixth inning to fall behind 8-4.
They scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth to cut into the deficit, but a strikeout by freshman designated hitter Jennifer Gilbert in the bottom of the seventh ended the Cardinals comeback.
Junior right-hander Audrey Workman received the loss for the Cardinals, giving up six hits and six runs in 5 1/3 innings.
In the final game of the tournament against Purdue, Ball State continued its pitching woes. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Ball State gave up a two-run home run to Purdue freshman Kim McMillan and lost 3-1.
Rager's RBI single in the top of the first was the lone run for Ball State.
Ball State begins MAC play Friday, when it travels to Athens, Ohio to play a doubleheader against Ohio. First pitches are at 1 and 3 p.m., respectively.
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