Notre Dame softball: Winter, Whidden pace Irish

Laura Winter struck out 13 batters and gave up four runs on seven hits, and Cassidy Whidden homered to lead No. 23 Notre Dame to an 11-4 victory over Ball State on Tuesday in South Bend.

Whidden went 3-for-4 with four RBIs, and Karley Wester went 4-for-4 with two runs scored.

Katey Haus doubled, had two RBIs and scored twice for the Irish (21-7).

Nicole Steinbach (L, 7-6), Schifferdecker (5); Laura Winter (W, 14-3).

2B: Katey Haus (ND).

HR: Jennifer Gilbert (BS), Hanne Stuedemann (BS), Selena Reyna (BS), Cassidy Whidden (ND).

Records: Ball State 18-12, Notre Dame 21-7.