SOFTBALL: Ball State defeats Toledo, 8-1

Freshman Nicole Steinbach pitches the ball against Western Michigan. Ball State faced Western Michigan again on April 7. Steinbach threw five complete game shutouts on her way to setting a team-best ERA. She led the team in strikeouts and held opposing hitters to the lowest batting average of any Ball State pitcher. Steinbach was named Mid-American Conference West pitcher of the week five times. DN FILE PHOTO JONATHAN MIKSANEK
Freshman Nicole Steinbach pitches the ball against Western Michigan. Ball State faced Western Michigan again on April 7. Steinbach threw five complete game shutouts on her way to setting a team-best ERA. She led the team in strikeouts and held opposing hitters to the lowest batting average of any Ball State pitcher. Steinbach was named Mid-American Conference West pitcher of the week five times. DN FILE PHOTO JONATHAN MIKSANEK

Ball State won its home opener against Toledo 8-1 this afternoon. With the victory, the Cardinals improve to 19-12 overall and 1-0 in Mid-American Conference play.

Ball State controlled all phases of the game throughout.

Senior Jennifer Gilbert led the Cardinals, connecting every time at bat. Lauren Schroeder led Ball State with three RBIs despite her single plate appearance, which resulted in a pinch-hit home run.

Senior third baseman Audrey Bickel contributed two hits and two RBIs. Three other Cardinals had hits in the game.

Nicole Steinbach turned in a complete game for Ball State on the mound. She pitched precisely at mixed speeds against the 25 batters she faced. Steinbach gave up one run on six hits in the game.

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