Chippewas Drop Series Opener to Ball State

Friday, April 25

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

2 p.m.

Central Michigan University

16-26, 8-11

Ball State

30-13, 16-3

Ball State

Central Michigan

Photo by: Jack Reeber '23,M'25 - @jackreeber.raw

4/25/2025 6:38:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Andy Sneddon

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Central Michigan fell into an early deficit but battled to the final out on Friday before succumbing to Ball State, 9-6, in the opener of a three-game Mid-American Conference baseball series on Keilitz Field at Theunissen Stadium.

The Chippewas (16-26, 8-11 MAC) and Cardinals play game two of the series on Saturday (1 p.m.) at Theunissen. Ball State improved to 30-13 and leads the MAC at 16-3.

Alex Richter hit the first of his two home runs to highlight a five-run Ball State second inning.

Ball State's lead grew to 8-1 when the Chippewas scored three runs in the seventh inning and two in the eighth, drawing to 9-6.

CMU stranded two baserunners in the eighth and two in the ninth and left 14 in the game.

The Chippewas loaded the bases with one out in the ninth when Aydin Wright grounded into a game-ending double play.

Chippewa starter Alejandro Espinoza (2-7) allowed five runs on nine hits over two innings in taking the loss.

Justin Morgan, Max Hammond, Jack Otis, Nate Ross, Jack Smith and Quin Konuszewski pitched in relief.

Aaron Piasecki and Mikey Murphy each hit a two-run home run for CMU. It was Piasecki's second of the year and Murphy's fifth. Those two, along with Wright, finished with two hits apiece.

Ball State starter Keegan Johnson (7-1) went six innings for the win. He allowed one run on four hits, struck out eight and walked four.