SOFTBALL: Ball State drops close game to Bowling Green

Coach Nicholson says team didn't play up to its capabilities

It was another disappointing day for the Ball State softball team.

Ball State lost to Bowling Green in extra innings for the second consecutive day by a final score of 5-4.

With the loss, Ball State's record moves to 32-19 on the season and 12-5 in Mid-American conference play.

Coach Craig Nicholson said like yesterday's game, Ball State didn't play up to its capabilities.

"We didn't do the things we normally do well," Nicholson said. "When that happens, there's a good chance you're going to get beat."

Bowling Green began the game on a hot streak. In the bottom of the first inning, the Falcons took a quick 4-0 lead after sophomore second baseman Andrea Arney drew a bases loaded walk, driving in sophomore shortstop Hannah Fulk.

Freshman right fielder Katie Yoho followed the bases loaded walk with a two-run single up the middle, scoring sophomore first baseman Paige Berger and junior left fielder Rachel Proehl.

Arney added the fourth and final run of the inning on a wild pitch by Ball State junior pitcher Audrey Workman.

Ball State, however, closed the gap to 4-1 in the top of the second inning. Senior right fielder Alyssa Collins drove in sophomore left fielder Amanda Carpenter off of an RBI single through the left side.

After holding Bowling Green scoreless in the bottom of the second inning, Ball State closed the gap to 4-3 in the top of the third inning. An error by Berger scored freshman first baseman Taylor Rager and senior Lisa Rozanski singled up the middle to drive in freshman designated hitter Jennifer Gilbert.

In the top of the fourth inning, Ball State tied the score at 4-4 after an RBI double by Rager to right center scored junior catcher Amanda Montalto.

For the next nine innings, neither team scored another run.

In the bottom of the 14th inning, Bowling Green ended the scoreless drought. After a single by Proehl and an intentional walk to Berger, Arney hit a sac fly to center field to drive in Fulk and end the game.

Nicholson said despite losing yesterday and today, he's comfortable with it as long as the team learns from its mistakes. 

"Despite the losses, it can do some good if you learn something from it and it motivates you a little bit," Nicholson said.

Ball State will return home Friday to play in a doubleheader against MAC West division leader Western Michigan. First pitch is at 1 p.m.


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