It was a fitting way for Ball State to break the Mid-American Conference record for home runs. It was a blowout win of 13-0 over Buffalo and a day where Ball State's power was a big factor.
Senior catcher Amanda Montalto, the program's career home run leader, blasted her 14th of the season over the center field fence to give Ball State its 60th round tripper of the season.
It was perhaps more fitting the way Ball State tied the mark of 59 set by Kent State in 2010. It wasn't one of the Cardinals many big power hitters. It wasn't even a starter. Sophomore pinch hitter Lauren Schroeder hit her first career home run, let alone the season, to match the record set by the Golden Flashes
Schroeder said she had no idea she was the one that tied the record until she got back into the dugout.
"It was pretty exciting," Schroeder said. "I definitely wasn't expecting to hit a home run. I was more worried that the ball was going to be foul than being a home run actually."
The Cardinals didn't stop hitting the ball out once the record was broken. The team added two more home runs in the second game against Buffalo by freshman right fielder Hanne Stuedeman and Schroeder.
On the mound, senior right hander Audrey Workman was able to shut down the Buffalo lineup through five innings, allowing four hits and three walks while striking out three.
Ball State has now reached what coach Craig Nicholson said his goal has been for the regular season. The Cardinals clinched the MAC West division championship and have reached 35 wins with four games left to play.
"Most seasons get judged by how they end so we'll see what happens from here on out," Nicholson said. "But as of right now, today, I feel like we've had a very good year."
Ball State now looks to next weekend to try and clinch one of the top two spots for the MAC Tournament. Either spot would give the Cardinals a double bye.
Ball State will come back home for its last four games starting with Toledo at 1 p.m. Friday for a doubleheader and capping the weekend with Bowling Green on Saturday and Sunday.
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