MUNCIE, Ind. – Indiana State put together another strong offensive performance on Wednesday afternoon, building a pair of multi-run innings and continuing to show momentum at the plate before Ball State rallied late in an 8–7 finish at the Ball State Softball Complex. 

Indiana State opened the midweek matchup with energy, producing a three-run second inning and a four-run fifth while generating eight hits from six different players. 

The Sycamores struck first in the second when Annie Waggoner and Sophie Esposito drew back-to-back walks to set the table. Addie Burns delivered the big swing of the inning, launching a three-run homer to deep right to give Indiana State an early 3–0 lead. ISU continued to apply pressure in the fourth, loading the bases on singles from Hannah Welch and Ireland Riley before Ball State escaped the inning. 

Indiana State extended its lead in the fifth with its most productive frame of the afternoon. Madison Poulson and Mallory Chavez opened the inning with consecutive hits, and Waggoner followed with an RBI double to center to push the lead to 4–1. Moments later, Esposito added another key swing, sending a three-run homer over the left-field wall to stretch the advantage to 7–1 and cap a four-run inning. 

Ball State chipped away with two runs in the sixth and rallied in the seventh, but Indiana State continued to compete defensively and forced the Cardinals into multiple pressure at-bats. The Sycamores held the lead until the final sequence, where Ball State pushed across the deciding run. 

Indiana State's offense remained a bright spot, finishing with eight hits and producing multi-run innings for the second straight game. Burns' three-run homer, Esposito's three-RBI performance, and Waggoner's two-hit afternoon highlighted a balanced effort throughout the lineup. The Sycamores also drew four walks and put runners on base in five of seven innings, continuing the offensive consistency they've shown over the past week. 

How They Scored 

• Burns homered to deep right field, scoring Waggoner and Esposito (3–0). 

• Whitney singled to left, scoring Kelley (3–1). 

• Waggoner doubled to center, scoring Poulson (4–1). 

• Esposito homered to left, scoring Chavez and Pusateri (7–1). 

• Hoffman singled to right, scoring Whitney and Peitersen (7–3). 

• DeRoeck singled, scoring Pietrzak (7–4). 

• Lovett reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Pogue and Cullen (7–6). 

• Kelley singled to left, scoring Lovett (7–7). 

• Pietrzak hit by pitch, walk-off RBI, scoring Urban (8–7). 

News and Notes 

• Indiana State produced eight hits and scored seven runs for the second straight game with multiple multi-run innings. 

• Addie Burns launched her second home run of the season, a three-run shot in the second inning. 

• Sophie Esposito recorded three RBI, including a three-run homer in the fifth. 

• Annie Waggoner reached base three times and added an RBI double. 

Up Next 

Indiana State returns to Missouri Valley Conference play this weekend as the Sycamores travel to Murray State. First pitch for the series opener is scheduled for Friday at 3 PM ET. 

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