Softball Drops Doubleheader at Ball State

Friday, April 9

Muncie, Ind.

1:00 p.m.

Kent State University

11-15, 8-5

Ball State

15-9, 9-0

Kent State

Ball State

Photo by: Sue Eckl

4/9/2021 7:44:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Game 1 Box Score Game 2 Box Score

MUNCIE, Ind. – Kent State was unable to hand host Ball State its first loss during Mid-American Conference play on Friday, falling 1-0 and 7-2 in both games of a doubleheader.

The Golden Flashes (11-16, 8-6 MAC) received a strong opening game in the circle from freshman Jessica LeBeau but were shutout for just the second time all season.

Kent State totaled 11 hits on the day. Junior Brooklyn Whitt led the way with three hits, while junior Sabrina Kerschner and redshirt senior Olivia Sborlini added two hits apiece.

Game 1: Ball State 1, Kent State 0
The Golden Flashes had their best scoring opportunity in the top of the first inning, as an error and a walk put two runners aboard with one out. Alexis Taube sent a chopper over the pitcher's head, but the shortstop was able to field the ball, step on the bag and complete the double play with a strong throw to first.

Jessica LeBeau (8-7) kept the Ball State offense that averaged more than 10 runs over its first eight MAC games scoreless through five innings. A triple and double to start the bottom of the sixth gave the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. LeBeau retired the next three batters, but Kent State was unable to score in the top of the seventh. The freshman recorded four strikeouts in the game and allowed six hits.

Brooklyn Whitt reached safely in all three of her trips to the plate, drawing a walk in the first inning and then singling to leadoff the fourth and sixth.

Game 2: Ball State 7, Kent State 2
Kent State took its first lead of the series in the top of the first inning when Sabrina Kerschner singled up the middle and scored on a double by Alexis Taube.

After back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the second put Ball State ahead 2-1, the Flashes answered with a run in the top of the third to even it up. Julia Mazanec beat out an infield single before moving to second on a sac bunt and then to third on a groundout. Brooklyn Whitt followed with a single to bring Mazanec home.

The Cardinals' third solo homer of the game during the fourth inning gave the hosts the lead for good. They added four runs on four hits in the fifth.

Kent State had seven different players record a hit in the game.

Gabbie Sherman (2-7) allowed three runs over 4.2 innings in the circle. Morgan Bowers threw 1.1 innings in relief.

On Deck for the Flashes
Kent State and Ball State will attempt to play a doubleheader on Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 10 a.m.