Scoring runs doesn't always mean a guaranteed victory.
With 116 walks and 323 hits given up by the pitching staff, Ball State's (22-14, 3-1 MAC) chances of winning on a consistent basis becomes less and less each game.
Ball State continues its road to consistency this weekend, when it travels to Oxford, Ohio to play Miami (16-13, 2-2 MAC).
Coach Craig Nicholson said despite inconsistencies shown by his team all season long, it has been improving.
"I think we've made strides in most areas," Nicholson said. "I think our offense has started to evolve into a fairly potent offense and our defense has improved. We went through the first weekend of the Mid-American Conference without making an error, which is obviously very important. So, I think those two areas have definitely improved."
One area that Ball State continues to have problems in is its pitching staff. In its only conference loss of the season, Ball State gave up a solo home run to Akron freshman Katie Gross that cost the Cardinals the game.
Nicholson said the most important factor for the pitching staff is throwing a first strike.
"I think the big thing for [the pitchers] is still throwing strike one on the first pitch of the at-bat," Nicholson said. "I think the more you can do that, the more successful you're going to be."
Despite the inconsistencies, senior third baseman Kate Wilczynski said as long as the Cardinals keep their focus, they will be fine this weekend in Oxford.
"We expect to see a tough Miami (OH) team," Wilczynski said. "They are probably going to be our best competition in regards to pitching and offense because their team is close to us in how we play. But as long as we stay focused and adjust to what they bring, we should have a solid weekend."
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