The story of the afternoon was the corroboration between Notre Dame's two aces, sophomore Brittney Bargar and senior Kenya Fuemmeler, for a no-hitter against Ball State in a 3-0 winWednesday.
The blanking improved Bargar's record to 15-7 on the season, and marked the 33rd no-hit showing for Notre Dame in school history. The last no-hit game was delivered by former pitcher Heather Booth over Rutgers last April.
The exciting non-conference win improved the Irish to a 23-14 overall record and was their third win in a row, while Ball State dropped to 15-26 on the season.
Bargar's only blemishes were two walks through six innings pitched, while she struck out seven. To seal the victory and earn a save, Fuemmeler struck one batter out in the last inning to make history for both pitchers. They now have each taken part in two no-hitters in their careers.
The Irish bats also would take some credit for the win.
Senior Stephanie Brown added two more runs in the game for a season total of 33. She also went two-for-three and had the first hit of the game, which took place in the opening frame.
After a pair of sacrifices, including a bunt and a fly out, Brown scored the first run of the game on a throwing error by Ball State. Although the Irish would not need another run, they added two more in the third frame.
Junior Brittany Glynn started the third with a single and then moved to second on a bunt single from Brown to the shortstop. After a sacrifice bunt and a throwing error, Glynn crossed the plate and Brown advanced to third. Freshman Christine Lux then drove the senior home with an RBI off a fielder's choice.
Notre Dame threatened again in the fifth with back-to-back hits, but no runs were scored when Ball State was able to thwart the rally.
Ball State had a walk in the sixth inning, but that was all the stingy Irish pitching allowed for the rest of the game.
Notre Dame's next game is today against Valparaiso in a make-up contest at Ivy Field at 5 pm.
