Ball State maintains MAC lead with series win

Senior infielder Elbert Devarie talks to sophomore pitcher Zach Plesac on the pitcher's mound during the first game of the double header against Buffalo on March 28 at First Merchants Ballpark Complex. DN PHOTO ALAINA JAYE HALSEY
Senior infielder Elbert Devarie talks to sophomore pitcher Zach Plesac on the pitcher's mound during the first game of the double header against Buffalo on March 28 at First Merchants Ballpark Complex. DN PHOTO ALAINA JAYE HALSEY

MAC West Division Standings

Ball State 5-1

Central Michigan 2-1

Northern Illinois 2-1

Western Michigan 3-3

Toledo 2-2

Eastern Michigan 2-4


The Ball State baseball team lost its first Mid-American Conference game of the season but defeated Buffalo in two of three games to keep its conference lead. 

The Cardinals are 5-1 in MAC play and 18-8 overall for the season.

After weather altered the weekend schedule, Ball State and Buffalo played a double header on March 28. The Bulls started off fast in game one, leading the Cardinals 2-0 after the first inning.

Ball State responded with three runs in the third to take the lead. After the teams went back and forth, the Cardinals ultimately won the game 6-4.

Second baseman Ryan Spaulding led the offense, going 2-4 with three RBIs. First baseman Colin Brockhouse was 2-3 with three RBIs as well. 

Left fielder Scott Tyler and center fielder Matt Eppers added two hits apiece.

After a solid offense led the Cardinals to their 10th straight win, it failed to carry momentum into the second game of the day, as the Bulls earned a 14-1 victory.

Ball State recorded five hits in the game, led by third baseman Sean Kennedy with two. Senior Elbert Devarie had the Cardinals' only RBI.

Senior Scott Baker received the loss on the mound, giving up six hits and three earned runs in six innings. He also posted eight strikeouts.

Ball State topped the Bulls' offensive performance from the second game in the weekend's third contest, scoring 16 runs on 16 hits.

The Cardinals scored eight runs in the second inning and four runs in the sixth. Catcher Jarett Rindfleisch led the team, going 4-4 with four runs scored and five RBIs.

Nine batters had hits for Ball State, including Eppers with three and Devarie and designated hitter Alex Maloney with two.

Buffalo scored six runs in the seventh inning to pull closer, but could not catch Ball State The Bulls finished the game with 10 hits.

Ball State will look to start another streak when it takes on Valparaiso on March 31. Ball State’s next conference series will be against Akron beginning on April 3.

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