Rainy MAC Opener Awaits Chippewas, Cardinals

MUNCIE, Ind. (Interstat) — A wet Mid-American Conference opening series begins Friday evening when Ball State hosts Central Michigan at Ball Diamond.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under a forecast of 62 degrees and rain.

Both teams enter league play at .500 or worse. The Chippewas (5-5) are coming off a series loss at Louisville, while the Cardinals (5-6) dropped three of four last week at Hawaii.

Central Michigan will look to continue its strong recent pitching. In Sunday’s 5-7 loss at Louisville, relievers Gavin Moczydlowsky, Cayden Smith and Nate Ross combined for 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Moczydlowsky, a player to watch, has not allowed a hit in his last 5 2/3 innings over three appearances, striking out six.

Ball State’s bright spot in its 0-6 loss at Hawaii on Sunday was starter Owen Quinn. The right-hander tossed 4 1/3 hitless innings, striking out five. In his last two starts, Quinn has allowed just four hits and zero earned runs over 9 1/3 innings.

The Chippewas’ offense showed life in a recent series at Belmont, scoring 17 runs in two wins, but was held to seven total runs in three games at Louisville.

Ball State’s bats have been inconsistent, shut out three times this season but also posting a 14-run outburst against Merrimack on Feb. 22.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Friday’s projected final is Central Michigan 5, Ball State 4.

The teams are scheduled to continue the three-game series Saturday afternoon and Sunday.