Softball splits doubleheader

The IU softball team (13-30-1, 4-10 conference) won the first game of Wednesday’s double-header against in-state rival Ball State (24-15, 4-2 conference), but fell victim to a big hit during the final inning of the second game.

With runners at first and second base, Ball State second baseman Emily Dabkowksi hit a three-run home run to left center field, solidifying the 6-3 victory.

After the series split, IU Coach Michelle Gardner said she was impressed with how her team hit.

“We really hit the ball well today,” Gardner said. “I think we had good pitching, although we gave up some hits. I’m proud of the team. They really came out and played.”

IU won the first game 3-2.

In the bottom of the third inning, IU pushed three runs across the plate.

Freshman second baseman Erin Lehman started the rally, reaching first after a hit to right field.

Following junior centerfielder Brianna Meyer’s walk, senior shortstop Breanna Saucedo sent a bunt to the circle.

After an error on the throw to first, Lehman scored from third base.

On the following at-bat, Saucedo stole her 15th base of the season. When Ball State catcher Shelbie Scamihorn made the throw to second, the ball went past the glove of sophomore shortstop Selena Reyna, which allowed Meyer to score from third.

With Saucedo on second, freshman first baseman CaraMia Tsirigos hit a single to right field, driving in Saucedo to give IU a three-run lead.

Ball State struck back in the top of the fourth.

After the Cardinals’ left fielder Jennifer Gilbert reached first on a fielding error, third baseman Audrey Bickel hit a two-run home run to left field, cutting the IU lead to one run.

With two outs and a runner on first and second in the top of the sixth, IU junior pitcher Lora Olson used a four-pitch at-bat to get out of the jam.

“At that point, I had a lot of innings under my belt,” Olson said. “I was in a groove and made sure to keep hitting my spots. I went at each batter like I did in the early innings.”

Both teams were held scoreless in the final two innings.

Olson threw her fourth complete game of the season, striking out five batters while allowing just one earned run. With the win, her record moves to 5-13 this season.

Leaving runners on base plagued the Hoosiers during the second game. In the loss, IU stranded six runners.

Ball State used the fourth inning to blow the game wide open.

The offensive onslaught began with a single off of Dabkowski’s bat that went past a diving Saucedo.

Gilbert stepped up to bat following Dabkowski, hitting a two-run home run over the left field wall.

After a Bickel double off of the left field wall, Scamihorn sent a ball to shallow right field.

Bickel scored on the play off of a fielding error.

In the next half inning, IU began to chip away at the lead.

With two outs, IU sophomore catcher Kelsey Dotson sent the first pitch of the at-bat over the left field wall, reducing the Ball State lead to two runs.

The solo home run is Dotson’s fourth of the season.

Right fielder Natalie Lalich started the bottom of the fifth inning with an infield single.

On the next at-bat, Meyer drove a ball down the left field line for an RBI double, cutting the deficit to one run.

Facing a full count with two outs, designated player Michelle Huber beat out a throw for an infield single, driving in Meyer to tie the game.

The Hoosiers had an opportunity to gain the lead in the top of the sixth.

After senior left fielder Jenna Abraham reached base on a single up the middle, she was thrown out attempting to steal second base for the first out of the inning.

After preventing IU from scoring in the sixth, the Ball State offense used a three-run seventh inning to officially put the Hoosiers away.

The Hoosiers will be back in action when they travel to Northwestern (24-11, 6-6 conference) for a three-game series.