Coming off a pair of losses in which the Ball State University softball team committed nine errors, the Cardinals will look to rebound at Butler University today.
In the team's final road game of the regular season, Ball State (19-28, 6-8 Mid-American Conference) will play Butler (21-16, 6-3 Horizon League).
"It's a chance for us to get back on track [after two losses to Miami University Saturday and Sunday]," coach Craig Nicholson said.
The Cardinals have won more than 50 percent of their games at home (5-4). On the road, the Cardinals have had less success as they have won less than 37 percent of their games (14-24).
It is tougher to play on the road because the team cannot keep its normal routine, Nicholson said. Because Butler is not too far away, it will be easier for the players to adjust, he said.
"It is easier to keep things simple," Nicholson said. "It's a little easier [when you're closer to home]."
Butler is the fifth in-state opponent for Ball State this season. The Cardinals are 3-4 this season and 3-1 in their last four games against their in-state foes.
Ball State beat Indiana University once and IPFW twice. They lost twice to Indiana State University, once to Indiana and once to the University of Notre Dame.
Though the starting pitcher for today's game is undecided, Nicholson said it will likely be freshman Elizabeth Milian.
Milian pitched complete games Saturday and Sunday against Miami.
She leads Ball State with an 2.74 earned run average, 89 strikeouts and a .253 opponent's batting average.
Milian also leads Ball State in appearances, starts, complete games and innings pitched this year. She has made 32 appearances on the mound and has an 11-15 record. She has started 23 games including 21 complete games. Overall, Milian has pitched 177.1 innings this season.
She said she is used to pitching often.
"Really, it's just a mental thing," Milian said. "You have to get mentally tough on the mound."
Softball pitchers can throw more often than baseball pitchers because of the arm motion. While baseball pitchers throw overhand, softball pitchers throw underhand. Throwing underhand is a more natural movement and it does not wear down the arm as much.
Milian said she does not get sore after games but she still takes precautionary measures such as having her shoulder iced down and rubbed after pitching.
"My pitching coach says if you have great form you shouldn't be sore," Milian said. "I must be doing something right."
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