Central Michigan University
Ball State
Chippewas Explode, Blow Out Ball State
3/31/2018 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Thade Hultzsch, CMUChippewas.com
MUNCIE, Ind. - Griffin Lockwood-Powell's first career grand slam highlighted an offensive explosion for the Central Michigan baseball team on Saturday as the Chippewas cruised past Ball State, 23-1, in a Mid-American Conference game at the Cardinals' First Merchants Ballpark Complex.
CMU snapped a three-game losing streak in improving to 8-18-1, 3-2 MAC. Ball State is 14-12, 3-2. The final game of the series is scheduled for Sunday (1 p.m.).
ON THE MOUND
CMU starter Michael Brettell (3-3) went seven strong innings in the win, his second in as many starts. He allowed one run on three hits while striking out seven. Logan Buczkowski and Cameron Miller pitched in relief.
Ball State starting pitcher Kyle Nicolas (2-4) took the loss, allowing five runs in 1 2/3 innings. The Cardinals used seven pitchers.
AT THE PLATE
CMU out-hit Ball State, 21-5. Evan Kratt and Zavier Warren had three hits each for the Chippewas, while Jacob Crum, Lockwood-Powell, Jason Sullivan, Zach Heeke and Dazon Cole added two apiece. Evan Kratt led the Chippewas with six RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Chippewas built a 5-0 lead through two innings, and then broke it open with eight runs in the third, highlighted by Lockwood-Powell's grand slam. The Chippewas scored all 23 of their runs in the first seven innings, and finished with a season-high 21 hits.
