KALAMAZOO, Mich. - - The Ball State softball team needed a big play. Leading 6-2 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning at Ebert Field, the Cardinals (29-17; 23-7 Mid-American Conference) saw host Western Michigan battle back within one thanks to a pair of home runs.
Having scored at least one run in each of the first five innings, Ball State looked like it was going to go quietly in an attempt to counter in the top of the sixth after a great play on a squeeze bunt registered the second out at home plate.
However, Ball State senior catcher Stacy Payton had other plans, as she blasted a 3-1 pitch over the fence in left field to help the Cardinals regain the momentum and earn an 8-5 victory in the series opener versus the Broncos (11-30; 7-20 MAC).