# Ball State Falls to Central Michigan in MAC Opener

**Published:** 2026-03-05T08:00:00.000Z  
**Topic:** Series Macs  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/3052fcec-981d-42f0-a214-292307d23ebe

Central Michigan rallied late to defeat Ball State 8-7 in the MAC opener. The teams continue their three-game series at Shebek Stadium this weekend.

The Ball State baseball team opened its Mid-American Conference schedule and home slate with an 8-7 loss to Central Michigan on Friday afternoon at Shebek Stadium [1]. The Chippewas rallied from a late deficit to secure the victory in the series opener, which was the first meeting between the two teams this season [1, 2].

**Key takeaways**
*   Central Michigan won the series opener 8-7 after scoring four runs in the eighth inning [1].
*   Ball State held a 3-0 lead through three innings but could not hold off the Chippewas' late offense [1].
*   The series continues with games scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. [1].
*   Ball State entered the weekend with a 5-6 record following a 1-0 shutout win at Hawaii [2].

## Chippewas overcome early deficit

The Cardinals jumped out to a 3-0 lead after three innings, but Central Michigan chipped away before taking the lead for good in the eighth [1]. Trailing 7-4, the Chippewas loaded the bases and scored four runs, capped by a two-run single from senior Cole Prout that gave them an 8-7 advantage [1]. Prout also hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning, finishing with four RBIs [1].

Central Michigan's bullpen secured the win after starter Hayden Bailey lasted just 2 2/3 innings [1]. Liam Stumpf earned the victory by escaping a jam in the eighth, and Max Hammond recorded his first career save with a scoreless ninth [1]. Ball State pitcher John Chambers took the loss [1]. The Chippewas also faced adversity when starting third baseman Greg Guzik II

## Sources
1. Cmuchippewas — [Central Michigan University Athletics](https://cmuchippewas.com/news/2026/3/6/webb-prout-deliver-big-hits-in-8th-inning-rally-bullpen-holds-the-fort-as-baseball-wins-mac-opener)
2. Ballstatesports — [Baseball Set for MAC and Home Opening Series vs Central ...](https://ballstatesports.com/news/2026/3/5/baseball-set-for-mac-and-home-opening-series-vs-central-michigan)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Ball State Falls to Central Michigan in MAC Opener", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/3052fcec-981d-42f0-a214-292307d23ebe