Box Score

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MUNCIE, Ind. ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢'¬" Despite rallying twice to tie the game, Miami University's softball team was unable to overcome the long ball, falling 6-3 to Ball State University in the series finale Sunday afternoon at the BSU Softball Complex.

The RedHawks (17-14 overall, 3-3 MAC) were once again held in check by the Cardinals' (21-17 overall, 5-1 MAC) pitching, only tallying four hits in the contest.

Following a quiet top of the first for Miami, Ball State used a double and walk to set up two in scoring position with two outs, but senior starter Carly Mortensen induced a fly-out to end the frame. In the bottom of the second, the first two Cardinals reached, but a strikeout and clutch double play kept the game scoreless.

After the Cardinals responded with a double play of their own to end the top of the third, a leadoff single and stolen base led to senior center fielder Rachel Houck doubling to center to bring in the game's first run. In the next at-bat, freshman third baseman Janae Hogg extended the lead with a RBI single to right-center that scored Houck to make it 2-0 and force Miami to bring in sophomore Shannon Hohman for relief.

In the top of the fourth, senior catcher Lauren Anderson put Miami on the board with a one-out home run to left, her second of the weekend, to bring the score to 2-1. Sophomore first baseman Johniann Wahl then walked, followed by a single to right-center from junior third baseman Kat Lee and a walk to senior second baseman Eryn McCarver that loaded the bases. The RedHawks capitalized on the scoring opportunity as senior left fielder Jenna Jones was hit by a pitch to bring in freshman pinch runner Kara Leckinger from third.

In the bottom half, the Cardinals immediately regained control as freshman right fielder Kennedy Wynn went deep to left on the first pitch from Hohman. In the fifth, junior designated player Megan Wurts reached on a one-out walk, eventually scoring on a RBI double to right-center from Wahl to even the score at 3.

The tie would prove to be short-lived as Hogg connected on a three-run homer to center to give the Cardinals a 6-3 lead in the bottom of the fifth. Following the shot, Hohman was replaced on the mound by senior Kelsey Fredericks.

In the top of the seventh, the RedHawks were unable to rally, going down in order to complete the game.

With the result, Hohman's record dropped to 6-4, while Mortensen received a no decision for her outing.

The RedHawks remain on the road this week as they travel to Bowling Green for a doubleheader on Tuesday, April 4 at 3 p.m.

Check MiamiRedHawks.com for all information about Miami softball.