The Ball State University softball team split a doubleheader with Central Michigan University Friday afternoon at the BSU Softball Complex.
The Cardinals (22-9, 2-2 Mid-American Conference) won the first game 12-8 before dropping the second game 11-3. In all, Ball State made a combined six errors in the two games.
Game 1: Ball State 12, Central Michigan 8
Senior third baseman Jessie Ware hit her Ball State season record-setting 10th triple in the first inning, as the Cardinals batted around in the frame and scored seven runs to jump all over the Chippewas to open play Friday afternoon.
Ball State senior pitcher Elizabeth Milian improved to 16-2 in the win, as she hurled a complete game, giving up six hits and eight runs, though only three runs were earned. Milian also struck out six Central Michigan batters, including striking out the side in the top of the first.
Shortstop Alicia Barkley had a game-high three hits in four at-bats for Ball State, scoring two runs and driving in another. Ware, meanwhile, was 1-for-4 with three RBIs and a stolen base.
The Cardinals had to overcome some sloppy play in the field, committing four errors in the game. The Chippewas were even shakier defensively, committing six errors.
Game 2: Central Michigan 11, Ball State 3
There would be no magical inning for the Cardinals in game two against the Chippewas.
Another error-prone Ball State defense allowed four unearned runs in the second game, as Central Michigan touched up Cardinals' pitchers Audra Sanders (4-6) and Kim Mazzapica for 14 hits and 11 runs.
Barkley again led the Ball State offense with two hits in three at-bats, and catcher Amanda Montalto was also 2-for-3 with an RBI.
Next up: Eastern Michigan
Ball State returns to the BSU Softball Complex today and tomorrow as it plays host to Eastern Michigan University.
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