Ball State softball (18-28, 4-12 MAC) lost its sixth straight game after being shut out by Central Michigan (19-21-1, 6-8-1 MAC). The Cardinals have lost 10 of their last 11 games.
Senior pitcher Nicole Steinbach was credited with the complete-game loss after allowing just one unearned run and four hits in seven innings. She also struck out six batters.
The only run of the game was scored in the first when Central Michigan’s leadoff hitter, sophomore center-fielder Sara Hansen, reached base on a throwing error by senior shortstop Emily Dabkowski.