Elizabeth Milian finally got some run support from the Ball State University offense, and the Cardinals' ace capitalized Friday evening against Wright State University in the second game of the Frost Classic in Chattanooga, Tenn.
The senior and reigning Mid-American Conference Pitcher of the Year threw her first career no-hitter, striking out seven Raider hitters and walking none, coming two Ball State errors shy of a perfect game in Ball State's 10-0, five-inning win against Wright State.
The Cardinals (3-4) dropped their opening game of the tournament, 2-1, to East Tennessee State University.
Game one: East Tennessee State 2, Ball State 1
The Buccaneers got on the board early in the goings, scoring a run in the top of the first on a sacrifice fly.
But both teams, however, would be stifled by a pitchers' duel between Ball State's Audra Sanders and ETSU's Jessica Duncan.
Sanders (0-2) went the distance for the Cardinals, pitching seven innings and giving up just four hits and two earned runs while striking out seven.
But Duncan was just as dominant, also in a complete game effort. She allowed seven hits, but gave up just one unearned run while striking out two.
The Cardinals lone run came in the bottom of the sixth as third baseman Jessica Ware reached on an error and designated hitter Amanda Montalto followed with a two-out, RBI double to score Ware from first.
Montalto finished the game 2-for-3 with two doubles, while first baseman Jen Reifschneider went 2-for-2 against the Buccaneers.
Game two: Ball State 10, Wright State 0 (5 innings)
Milian (3-1) and her no-hitter were aided by an explosion by the Ball State offense.
The Cardinals tallied 10 hits against the Raiders, nine of which were singles, as second baseman Alyssa Freiling had the only extra base hit of the game with a double.
Ware finished the game 2-for-3 with a game-best three RBIs, while first baseman Kate Wilczynski and left fielder Amanda Carpenter also tallied two-hit games for the Cardinals.
Ball State touched up Wright State (2-7) lefty starter Sharon Palma for nine runs – six earned – on eight hits.
Up next: Austin Peay and Central Connecticut State
Ball State continues play in the three-day tournament with a 10 a.m. matchup with Austin Peay State University (3-6) and follows with Central Connecticut State University (0-2).
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