Box Score

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Three-time defending MAC champion Ball State scored six runs – all with two outs – in the top of the seventh inning, and got a three-run homer from Emily Dabkowski in the ninth inning to beat South Dakota 11-8 Friday on the first day of the Music City Classic. It was the season opener for both teams.

South Dakota built an 8-1 lead on the backs of a two-run homer by Yvon Minogue, a bases-clearing triple by Katie Cochran, and a two-run blast by Matley Jones. The Coyotes had the winning run on third base leading 8-1 in the fifth inning, but couldn't score the run.

A two-out double by Jessica Craft in the top of the sixth inning cut the deficit to 8-2. South Dakota went in order in the bottom of the sixth inning and recorded the first two outs of the top of the seventh before chaos ensued.

The Cardinals' rally got its first life with an error in the infield. A walk followed by a two-run triple to left field by Loren Cihlar made it 8-4.

South Dakota starting pitcher Rachel Cue gave way to Madison Frain, but Dadkowski doubled to score Cihlar to make it 8-5 and Frain hit Hanne Stuedemann and walked Jessica Craft to load the bases.

Cue reentered the game, but walked Sammi Cowger to make it 8-6. Hayley Cruthers tied the game with a two-run single to right field. South Dakota threw out pinch runner Taylor Cooley on the play, who was trying to score the go-ahead run from first base.

The game remained tied until Dabkowski's homer with nobody out in the ninth. South Dakota went in order in the bottom half of the inning.

The unsung hero for Ball State was relief pitcher Jocelyn Rivera, who entered in the fifth inning when Kelsey Schifferdecker was hit in the head with a line drive off the bat of Ally Daly. Rivera allowed one hit and struck out five in five full innings of relief.

South Dakota returns to the field Saturday with a 9 a.m. contest against Georgetown followed by a 2 p.m. game against Belmont. Lipscomb University and Belmont University are co-hosting the tournament.