???It took two canceled games before the baseball team could compete in its Mid-American Conference home opener with Ball State.
???As if the rainouts were not enough, Ball State poured it on Buffalo during Sunday's doubleheader.
???In the first game, Buffalo (10-17, 1-7 MAC) held an early five-run lead after the first inning, but was unable to top Ball State (14-12, 5-2 MAC) and dropped the opener, 15-9. The Cardinals took advantage of timely hitting and an early 3-0 lead to sweep the doubleheader with a 3-2 victory.
???The first inning of the first game gave Buffalo a commanding lead. Ball State got a run in the top of the inning with a walk by sophomore pitcher Jesse Reinstein with the bases loaded.
???Buffalo answered with six runs with two outs in the bottom of the inning. They started the scoring with a walk by junior shortstop Jacob Rosenback with the bases loaded. Junior outfielder Rob Lawler followed with an RBI single that scored two. A two-RBI double by junior catcher Brad Cochrane kept the Bulls momentum going. Senior outfielder Eric Flynn finished the scoring with an RBI single to make the score 6-1 after one inning.
???Ball State soared back and pummeled Reinstein to take an 8-6 lead in the second inning. After two RBI singles, Cardinal left fielder Ryan Chenoweth smacked a three-RBI double to give Ball State the lead.
???The Cardinals would not be denied after that point. They made the score 14-6 before Buffalo got back on the board in the bottom of the eight inning. Senior outfielder Chris Ciesla knocked an RBI double to score the Bulls' seventh run. An error by Ball State's centerfielder scored Ciesla to make the score 14-8.
???Both teams added a run in the final inning to give Ball State a 15-9 advantage.
???The pitchers started the second game off strong. Cardinals' pitcher Kolbrin Vitek and junior pitcher Pierre Miville-Deschenes both pitched three scoreless innings.
???But the Cardinals were able to get to Miville-Deschenes in the fourth inning. Ball State Kolbrin Vitek crossed home plate on a double play to give Ball State the early advantage.
???Ball State added to their lead in the sixth inning. First baseman Ian Nielsen cracked a single to center field, scoring two and extending the Cardinals' lead to 3-0.
???The Bulls responded in the bottom of the sixth inning. Junior outfielder Charlie Karstedt hit an RBI single to left field, scoring junior outfielder Adam Skonieczki.
???Buffalo cut the score to 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth. Junior third baseman Shivam Bhan grounded into a fielder's choice that drove in junior pinch runner Bobby Pizzuto to give the Bulls a chance.
???The Bulls then drew a walk to bring the winning run to the plate and the game-tying run to third base, but Cardinals closer Morgan Coombs got Flynn to fly out and end the game.
???Buffalo takes a break from conference play when it takes on local rival Niagara in a doubleheader Wednesday afternoon. The first game is slated to start at a 3 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
