Ball State Rallies for Walk-Off Win Over Central Michigan

Chippewas squander 10-5 lead in 9th inning loss to Cardinals

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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In the series finale between Central Michigan and Ball State, the Cardinals scored six runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to rally for an 11-10 walk-off victory over the Chippewas. Central Michigan had built a 10-5 lead earlier in the game, but a three-run triple and a game-tying double in the 9th allowed Ball State to complete the comeback.

Why it matters

This loss is a tough blow for Central Michigan, who were looking to take the series against their Mid-American Conference rival Ball State. The Chippewas had played well to build their 5-run lead, but the bullpen was unable to hold it in the 9th, costing them the game and the series.

The details

Central Michigan jumped out to a 7-4 lead in the 4th inning thanks to home runs from Harrison Bowman, Logan Keilen, and Joey Milto. They extended the lead to 9-4 in the 5th on an RBI single and a run-scoring error. However, Ball State rallied in the 9th, loading the bases with one out. Tommy Landses hit a 3-run triple to make it 10-8, and an RBI single followed by a Chippewa error allowed Ball State to tie the game. Brett Griffiths then doubled to drive in the winning runs for the Cardinals.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
  • Ball State scored 6 runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to rally for the win.

The players

Harrison Bowman

A Central Michigan player who hit a home run in the game.

Logan Keilen

A Central Michigan player who hit a home run in the game.

Joey Milto

A Central Michigan player who hit a home run in the game.

Tommy Landses

A Ball State player who hit a 3-run triple in the 9th inning to spark the Cardinals' comeback.

Brett Griffiths

A Ball State player who hit the game-winning double in the 9th inning.

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What they’re saying

“This loss is a tough one to swallow, but we'll learn from it and come back stronger next week.”

— Gavin Moczydlowsky, Central Michigan Pitcher

What’s next

Central Michigan will look to bounce back with a pair of non-conference games this week against Mercyhurst and Youngstown State, before returning to MAC play next weekend at Kent State.

The takeaway

Despite building a big lead, Central Michigan's bullpen was unable to hold it in the 9th inning, allowing Ball State to rally for a dramatic walk-off victory. This loss is a tough one for the Chippewas, but they'll need to regroup quickly as they continue their conference schedule.