KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Western Michigan softball team's comeback came up short on Friday afternoon at Ebert Field as they dropped game one of the weekend to Ball State, 7-5.

After conceding seven runs to open the game in the top half of the first, the Broncos bounced back with four runs in the bottom half and added another run late but weren't able to overcome the early deficit. 

The Brown & Gold were led by second baseman Erin Barg and pitcher Sydney Stefanick at the plate, both going 2-for-4 with two RBI each. In the circle, Stefanick dazzled for the Broncos. The Johnstown, Ohio native threw for 6.1 innings, allowing zero runs, and striking out eight Cardinals. The sophomore retired a streak of 13 batters from the third inning to the last out of the seventh. 

WMU had seven batters register hits on the day while three Broncos registered multi-hit games. The 10 hits on the day is the most for the Broncos since April when they defeated Central Michigan 12-5. 

Ball State jumped out to a quick lead in the top of the first, picking up seven runs on six hits. The Broncos responded in the home half of the inning, cutting into the Cardinal lead highlighted by an Erin Barg two-RBI double as the Brown and Gold trimmed the Ball State lead to three runs. 

In the bottom of the seventh, the Broncos used a Mackenzie Swinehart double and two batters later Stefanick drove her in from third cutting into the deficit, 7-5. A strikeout ended the game for Western Michigan with runners on first and second. WMU's record falls to 11-18 overall and 4-5 in the MAC.

Up Next
Western Michigan looks to bounce back in games two and three of the series tomorrow with a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. from Ebert Field. WMU will also host Strikeout Cancer Day, as the Broncos will be collecting donations with all proceeds going to Bronson Children's Hospital. WMU will be wearing special jerseys to honor those who have battled cancer. 

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