Golden Flashes Take Down Cardinals in Shortened Softball Doubleheader

Friday, April 3

Muncie, Ind.

1:00 p.m.

Kent State University

22-6, 3-0

Ball State

14-18, 2-1

Kent State

Ball State

Photo by: David Dermer

Golden Flashes Take Down Cardinals in Shortened Softball Doubleheader

4/3/2015 5:20:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

Box Score (pdf)

MUNCIE, Ind. – The rain only stayed away long enough for Kent State and Ball State to play half of Friday's scheduled softball doubleheader. The Golden Flashes won the first game, 7-3, and held a 5-0 lead when the second game was called prior to the first pitch in the bottom of the first inning.

Both teams produced big third innings, as 9 of the game's 10 runs were scored in the inning. The Golden Flashes struck for six runs on five hits in the inning, while the Cardinals scored three runs on just one hit.

"I am happy with the win today," said head coach Karen Linder. "Our offense came up big in the third inning with several players getting clutch hits. Emma pitched a great game against a good hitting team, and it was great that she was able to shut them down after the third inning."

Kent State (22-6, 3-0 MAC) had its first six batters reach safely in the top of the third and scored four runs before the Cardinals recorded an out. Following a leadoff walk, back-to-back singles loaded the bases. Maddy Grimm then drew a full-count walk to bring in the first run of the game. Janel Hayes followed with a single up the middle that brought two more runners home. Kim Kirkpatrick kept the rally going with a double that scored Grimm. Following a strikeout, Shelbi Tilton doubled down the right field line to bring home two more base runners.

Ball State collected just one hit in the bottom of the third, but took advantage of two hit batters, a walk and a throwing error to score three runs and cut its deficit in half.

The Flashes added a run in the fourth when Kirkpatrick singled up the middle to bring Ramos home from second base after walking earlier in the inning.

Emma Johnson (11-3) was terrific once again in the pitcher's circle for the Flashes, fanning 12 batters for her eighth double-digit strikeout performance of the season. Johnson allowed just one earned run and limited the Cardinals' offense to only three hits.

Kent State sent 11 batters to the plate in the opening frame of the second game to take a 5-0 lead. However, an increasing rainfall moved into the area to cause a delay. A few minutes later, the game was called.

The Flashes have now won 10 straight games and will conclude the weekend with games at Miami on Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.