In a matchup of the Mid-American Conference's best offense against the conference's best pitching staff, the offense won handily.
But it didn't go as easily as Ball State (27-12) would have expected if it knew it would score 22 runs in a two game series with Miami (25-14).
Miami came into the game with a 1.31 overall ERA, but the Ball State hitters totaled 21 earned runs against the conference's top staff.
Coach Craig Nicholson said that he was extremely impressed with the offensive production, especially considering the type of competition they were facing in the 9-6 and 13-12 victories.
"I can't say enough about our offense today," Nicholson said. "We were facing good pitching all day long."
Facing Miami ace Jessica Simpson was supposed to be a challenge for Ball State. But the Cardinals kept putting up big numbers on the scoreboard thanks to four home runs, despite Simpson picking up nine strikeouts in six and a third innings pitched.
"We weren't concerned with how we struck out or how much we swung and missed," Nicholson said. "We just wanted to make sure that when she made a pitch we made her pay for it."
Sophomore left fielder Jennifer Gilbert had a career day for the Cardinals. After striking out in her first at bat against Miami ace Jessica Simpson in the first game, Gilbert was perfect the rest of the day.
She finished 3-4 in the first game with two home runs and 2-2 in the second game with another home run and three walks. It was her third multi-home run game of the season.
"I saw the ball really well today," Gilbert said. "I kind of knew what they would be pitching to me so I made some adjustments there."
When the Cardinals gave up a late lead to the Redhawks in the second game, Nicholson remained confident in his offense to get the lead back.
With the top of the order up, the Cardinals got a walk from freshmen designated player Hanne Stuedeman and a walk from Gilbert to set up senior catcher Amanda Montalto. Montalto hit a clutch double to right center-field to score a runner and give Ball State two runners at second and third with no outs.
A sacrifice fly and one groundout scored the next two runs to help Ball State retake the lead for good.
Ball State came back multiple times in both games because of the long ball, something that has been there for them all season. Aside from Gilbert's three homers in the double header, Montalto and sophomore third basemen Audrey Bickel homered.
Senior Audrey Workman struggled with control again Sunday, but Nicholson said she pitched well enough to help the team win. She allowed nine earned runs in five innings and walked seven.
Ball State hosts Indiana in a midweek contest Wednesday at 4 p.m.
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