IU hopes to stabilize play against Ball State

The Hoosiers’ performance in April has fluctuated in harmony with Bloomington’s unsteady weather. A heated streak of two wins here, a chilled swing of two losses there – not a steady forecast in sight. \nIt was the same story this weekend as the seesawing Hoosiers endured both the highs and the lows. Friday saw Ohio State squeeze past IU 3-2, yet Saturday the Hoosiers regrouped, defeating the Buckeyes 4-0. \n“As long as we can tie some things together and feel more comfortable offensively and defensively, we can take some pressure off,” IU coach Stacey Phillips said. “If we continue to fight, we are going to straighten things out and put up some more wins.” \nThe cream and crimson will strive to balance its attack against in-state foe Ball State at 4 p.m. today. \nThis will be the second time the Hoosiers have competed outside the conference in the midst of Big Ten play. Last week, the Hoosiers prevailed over Indiana State 4-1 as senior captain Tory Yamaguchi excelled offensively. \n“The timing of this game couldn’t be more perfect,” Phillips said. “Ball State’s small ball and running ability is a lot like Northwestern and Michigan State’s play.” \nBall State ventures from Muncie to Bloomington after a victory against Miami (Ohio). The Cardinals cruised the entire game behind pitcher Tiffany Garofano. The junior pitching sensation logged a complete game and posted eight strikeouts to pick up her ninth win of the season. \nIU rallied behind junior pitcher Monica Wright against Ohio State on Saturday. The flamethrower tossed a one-hitter, posting her second shutout of the season and 12th complete game in 20 starts. While pitching was at a premium, the Hoosiers kept their cool and performed in the clutch courtesy of freshman Sara Olson. Olson, who is also part of the pitching rotation, knocked a two-run single in the sixth to ignite the offensive brigade. \n“We get a lot of wins and losses, but we have to be more consistent,” junior infielder Stephanie Pellerito said. “We are ready to get on a roll against Ball State. \nIU, along with four others teams – Penn State, Ohio State, Illinois and Wisconsin – is below .500 in the Big Ten standings. Freshman catcher Brittany Stein said the Hoosiers still have a chance to make the Big Ten Tournament because of the tight race.\n“We have to sharpen up a few things on defense,” Stein said. “But if we keep hitting the ball the way we have, we can make the tournament.” \nPhillips said this week’s games will direct the Hoosiers’ future. \n“After this weekend, we are really going to tell where we are going to be,” Phillips said. “We have to shoot for the Big Ten Tournament and let the chips fall where they may.”