Box Score MUNCIE, Ind.- Ball State scored five runs in the first and fourth innings to defeat the Western Michigan softball team 10-2 Saturday in five innings. The Broncos' record slipped to 18-25 overall and 9-10 in the Mid-American Conference.

Western Michigan scored both of its runs in the top of the fourth. Junior Ivy Schaaf hit a leadoff single up the middle and scored on a double by senior Melissa Palmer. Palmer was brought across the plate on a single to left field by junior Kelsea Cichocki.

Western Michigan had seven hits in the game. Cichocki and senior Sabrina Gamboa each batted 2-for-3.

Ball State made use of two Bronco errors and three hits, including two doubles to generate five runs in the bottom of the first. The Cardinals batted through the order in the bottom of the fourth, scoring five more runs.

Senior pitcher Allyson Kus (13-14) started for Western Michigan and worked 3.2 innings.

Western Michigan returns home next weekend to host in-state rival Eastern Michigan in a three-game series to close out the regular season. WMU will be fighting for one of eight spots in the 2016 MAC Tournament which will be held May 11-14 at Firestone Stadium in Akron, Ohio. Game one of the series against the Eagles is Friday, May 6 at 3 p.m., followed by a doubleheader Saturday at 1 p.m.