Eastern Illinois University Athletics

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MUNCIE, Ind. – Eastern Illinois softball traveled to Ball State for mid-week non-conference action on Tuesday (April 7) afternoon, as the Panthers lost the twinbill via scores of 7-2 and 4-3 (8-inn.).

The doubleheader loss drops the Panthers to 12-20 overall, as Eastern next travels to UT Martin for a three-game OVC series this coming Saturday and Sunday (April 11-12).

In the first game loss, the Panthers took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, as senior Hannah Cole delivered an RBI shot through the right side to plate junior Jennette Isaac from second, before scoring herself thanks to an untimely Cardinal error via the at-bat of Roberts.

Unfortunately, the home squad would counter with five runs, off five hits and an EIU error, in their half of the fifth frame to blow open the game.  The Cardinals would add two additional security runs in the bottom of the sixth as well for the final margin of victory.

Freshman Michelle Rogers was tabbed for the loss in the circle for Eastern, as she drops to 6-9 overall behind three innings of work.  She struck out one, walked five and allowed five hits and four earned runs, as classmate Jessica Wireman came in relief for three innings of her own.  She punched out three BSU batters and allowed just one walk and one earned score.

Sophomore designated player Ashlynne Paul led all players in the first game, going 2-for-3 at the plate.

Team-wise, EIU stranded four runners, while BSU finished with five players left on base.  The Cardinals also held in the advantage in hits (10-to-4), as each squad committed a pair of miscues.
 
In the nightcap, the Cardinals would take the lead in the bottom of the opening frame, taking advantage of the long ball and an EIU error to hold the 2-0 lead.

After three scoreless innings, the Panthers would knot the score at two-all as senior Bailey O'Dell drilled and double and Tori Johnson followed suit to bring O'Dell home for the first run.  Eastern then scored off a BSU throwing error as the host squad tried to thwart Johnson's stolen base at third, but the ball sailed to left field which allowed the newcomer scamper home for the tying run.
 
With the game in extra innings, junior April Markowski was placed on second via the international tiebreaker scenario.  After advancing to third off the sac bunt by Isaac, Paul's RBI shot to left field would give the Panthers the 3-2 lead, as Markowski had an easy trip to the home plate.
 
But the host squad would eventually earn a bases-loaded situation in their half of the eighth frame, before the Cardinals tied the game at three off a fielder's choice.  An untimely hit-by-pitch followed to give BSU the walk-off, 4-3, victory and afternoon sweep of the Panthers.
 
Earlier this season the Cardinals also earned a neutral site 4-3 win over Eastern back in mid-February.
 
Freshman pitcher Jessica Wireman fell to 5-10 with the complete game loss as she retired two BSU batters via strikes, allowed just five hits and four runs.
 
Eastern actually out-hit the host squad in the nightcap (10-to-5) as eight Panthers earned at least one shot, while Isaac and O'Dell each tallied a pair.  Both squad once again registered one error apiece.

... for more info, contact Bart Rettberg, Asst. SID