Through the first six games of the season, Ball State University suffered through offensive jitters as it played its first games outdoors of the 2010 season.
The Cardinals have received quality pitching all season, but the bats have apparently come alive in their last three games in this weekend's Frost Classic in Chattanooga, Tenn.
The Cardinals run-ruled Wright State University 10-0 in Elizabeth Milian's no-hitter on Friday, and followed that up by sweeping Austin Peay State University and Central Connecticut State University Saturday by combined 20-4 scores heading into today's game against undefeated University of Tennessee at Martin.
Game one: Ball State 8, Austin Peay 1
The Cardinals notched nine hits, including three from Jessica Ware, to match up with a dominant pitching performance from Audra Sanders.
Sanders pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing just three hits, one earned run and striking out six.
Ware, meanwhile, went 3-for-4 at the plate with a triple, homerun and four RBI while designated hitter Amanda Montalto went 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI.
The Cardinals opened up the game with three runs in the bottom of the first, setting the table for the rest of the game.
Game two: Ball State 12, Central Connecticut State 3
Ball State had its second 3-0 lead of the day through 3 1/2 innings against Central Connecticut State, but the Blue Devils came alive to tie the game with three runs of their own in the bottom of the fourth.
Ball State coach Craig Nicholson pulled starter Kim Mazzapica for his ace, Milian, who shut the door the rest of the way as the Cardinals exploded for nine runs the rest of the game – including seven in the top of the seventh – to improve to 5-4 on the season.
Milian improved to 4-1 with the win, allowing one hit and striking out six in 3 1/3 innings of relief.
The Cardinals' offense continued its climb against the Blue Devils, notching a season-high 16 hits.
Freshman second baseman Alyssa Freiling had a perfect game at the plate, going 4-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI.
Ware, meanwhile, continued her hot play, going 3-for-5 with 2 RBI, while Montalto continued her slugging ways with a homerun.
Up next: UT Martin
Ball State completes play in the Frost Classic today when it plays undefeated UT Martin.
The Skyhawks are 8-0 this season, but the Cardinals will throw Milian in an effort to end that success.
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