Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Ball State
Knapp's 3-Hitter Lifts CMU Past Ball State
4/22/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
MUNCIE, Ind. — Rachael Knapp tossed a three-hit gem Friday as the Central Michigan softball team edged Ball State, 1-0, in the opening game of the three-game Mid-American Conference series at First Merchants Ballpark Complex.
The win, the Chippewas' fourth straight, lifted CMU to 19-21-1 overall and 6-8-1 in the MAC. The Cardinals are 18-28, 4-12. The teams close the series with a doubleheader on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Knapp (10-11) struck out five and did not walk a batter. The Cardinals threatened when Aeshia Miles doubled to lead off the sixth and moved to third on a one-out groundout. Knapp struck out Amanda Arnett, the Cardinals' No. 3 hitter, to end the inning.
The Chippewas scored the game's only run in the first inning. Sara Hansen was safe on an error, went to second on a groundout, and took third on a wild pitch. She scored on a CarolAnn Sexauer groundout.
Chelsea DeLamielleure, Lacy Tolfree, Rachel Vieira and Maison Kalina each registered a hit for the Chippewas.
Losing pitcher Nicole Steinbach (14-15) went the distance, striking out six and walking two.
