MUNCIE, Ind.-- Combining for 19 hits in two games, the WKU softball team (13-5, 2-1) swept Saturday's doubleheader in non-conference action at Ball State (12-15) by scores of 4-2 and 6-2.
For the day, senior Preslie Cruce recorded a team-high four hits and three runs followed by classmates Larissa Franklin and Dani Pugh along with freshman Lexie Norfleet tabbing three hits each. The pitching staff of senior Miranda Kramer and freshman Hannah Parker held Ball State to 10 hits while striking out 21 batters in the pair of wins.
The teams finish the three-game series on Sunday with a game at noon CT. Fans can keep up with the contest through live stats and audio via BallStateSports.com.
GAME ONE--WKU 4, Ball State 2
WKU opened the day with a 4-2 win over Ball State, taking advantage of its eight hits and the Cardinals' four errors.
Cruce led the WKU bats with two hits for the only multi-hit effort of the game to go with a run and RBI. In the circle, Kramer (9-4) struck out 16 while allowing two hits, two walks and two hit by pitches. The senior didn't allow a baserunner until the fourth frame and a hit until the fifth inning while she had a streak of sitting down eight-consecutive batters.
A two-run first inning put WKU ahead early, as back-to-back sacrifice flies from Brooke Holloway and Cruce brought in the runs. The Lady Toppers made it 3-0 in the third with Cruce leading off with a single to short. After a sacrifice bunt from Norfleet, Cruce was able to score on a throwing error from the BSU catcher. WKU's final run came in the sixth where Jacqueline McGill scored on a single up the middle from Kayti Hanson.
BSU avoided the shutout with its two runs scored in the seventh. The Cardinals' first two batters reached base on hit by pitches before a RBI double and sacrifice fly added the runs for the home team.
GAME TWO--WKU 6, Ball State 2
WKU secured the series with a 6-2 win in Saturday's final game, coming back from a 2-0 deficit.
Ball State reached the board after a two-run home run by Hanne Stuedemann with two outs in the first inning. WKU cut the lead to 2-1 in the next frame off of a Norfleet RBI single.
Using four runs off of four hits, WKU took the lead plus some to go up 5-2. With Franklin at third after a hit and Holloway single, Cruce punched a RBI to the shortstop to tie the game. Pugh then stepped to the plate to put a bomb over left field and bring in a trio of runs. WKU added one more run in the top seventh with Shawna Sadler coming home on a BSU miscue.
Parker (4-1) earned the win after going the complete game with eight hits, five strikeouts and four walks to her line. At the plate, Franklin, Cruce, Norfleet and Pugh posted two hits each while Cruce recorded a pair of runs.
For information on season tickets at $25 through the flexible season ticket plan, visit WKUSports.com or call the ticket office at 1-800-5-BIGRED.
The 2015 WKU softball season is being presented by the United States Marines. This season, the Marines and WKU Athletics are working together to promote the outstanding athletic and academic achievements of our female student-athletes. The Marines are proud to work with and support these future leaders of America.
For more information on WKU softball, visit WKUSports.com or follow the team on Twitter via @WKUSoftball.
Western Kentucky University Athletics
- Champions Climb Here
- WKU Athletics
- Athletic Director
- Academic Services
- Annual Report
- Athletic Communications
- Athletic Hall of Fame
- Athletic Training
- Big Red
- CLIMB Program - NIL
- Compliance
- Facilities
- Financial Reports
- For Students
- Student Employment
- Forms/Requests
- Book Big Red
- Donation Requests
- Site Feedback
- For Fans
- Hilltopper Highlights
- Gameday Promotions
- Alumni Tailgates
- Big Red's Rascals
- Basketball Gameday
- Football Gameday
- Mobile Tickets
- Travel Center
- Tickets
- Give
