MUNCIE, IND- Collin Romel threw six strong innings but it was not enough as Ball State pulled away late to take game one of the four-game series 8-2 on Friday afternoon.
The lefty allowed just three hits and two earned runs on Friday, walking three and striking out five. Romel ran into some bad luck in the first inning. After retiring the first two batters, Romel struck out Ross Messina but Messina reached on a dropped third strike. The Cardinals capitalized as two batters later Ryan Pelltier homered on the first pitch he saw, giving Ball State a 3-0 lead.