MUNCIE, Ind. -- Indiana Wesleyan University got off to a quick start in a single nine inning game at Ball State but ultimately fell 11-4 to the NCAA Division I program in Muncie, Indiana.

Indiana Wesleyan scored three runs in the top of the second inning for the early 3-0 advantage. Ball State took the lead in the home half of the third inning with six runs and led the rest of the way.

The Wildcats cut into the deficit in the fifth inning with one run to make it a 6-4 game. The Cardinals answered with a run of their own in the bottom half of the fifth inning and added two more runs in the next frame to lead 9-4 after six innings. The home team added single runs in the seventh and eighth innings for the 11-4 final score.

Preston Fugita (JR/Littleton, Colo.) had a big game at the plate with a 3-for-4 performance and one RBI. Jacob Murphy (JR/Hudsonville, Mich.), Cody Calvert (JR/Godfrey, Ill.), and Logan Tomlinson (FR/Trabuco Canyon, Calif.) each knocked in one run while Craig Nesselhuf (SO/Littleton, Colo.) was 1-for-2 at the plate with a walk and a stolen base.

Jake Worrell suffered the loss as he surrendered six runs on three hits in 3.0 innings of work. Jon Keesling (SO/Selma, Ind.) and Marcus Price (FR/Hartford City, Ind.) each pitched 2.0 innings while Brandon Watkins (FR/Indianapolis, Ind.) pitched the final inning.

Indiana Wesleyan is scheduled to play again tomorrow against Grace (Ind.) at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana.