Two weeks ago, Indiana trailed in-state rival Indiana State by six runs in Terre Haute, and wasn’t able to mount a comeback in an eventual 15-7 loss. On Tuesday in Bloomington, Indiana again trailed the No. 17 Sycamores by six runs — but this one came out in the Hoosiers’ favor as they were able to make the adjustments they needed and pair it with a side of offensive explosion in a 16-7 victory.
The Sycamores started out early and started out hot with a two-run home run from Luis Hernandez in the first inning. By the top of the fourth, Indiana State led the Hoosiers 6-0. It was a moment of deja vu for Indiana, which trailed the Sycamores by six runs two weeks prior.
All eyes were on the Hoosier batting order in the bottom of the fourth. IU scored twice to begin the rally. With the bases loaded, Tyler Cerny approached the plate and hammered it all the way to the scoreboard for a grand slam. Indiana’s dugout exploded while fans erupted. Cerny just tied up the ball game 6-6.
By the sixth inning Indiana State had taken back its lead, 7-6. Josh Pyne had the chance to re-take it for Indiana as he stepped to the plate with one runner on. He answered with a home run, Pyne's second of the year, and an exciting moment for a player who was in need of a big hit like that. Pyne started the season hot but has seen his batting average fall from .329 on March 16 to .262 coming into Tuesday’s game.
This home run kickstarted another six-run inning from Indiana and built a lead IU never lost.
Things for Indiana State would never recover. Pitching would hurt them the most as they reached for eight arms. Allowing 14 hits, nine walks and of course 16 runs — two of those unearned. Indiana would score four more runs to insure a large lead over Indiana State, winning them the game just like the Sycamores had done 14 days ago.
A couple other Indiana players had notable nights as well. Jasen Oliver continued his hitting streak to 12 games and Carter Mathison hit his 36th career home run in the seventh inning. Mathison now sits tied for 10th in the record for all time home runs at Indiana. He is tied with Bill Mueller (1982-85).
Indiana head coach Jeff Mercer was in high spirits following the game.
“You're really happy for the kids and proud of them that they've been able to get back up and go fight and play, you know, to our standards, which is just the competition and the execution,” Mercer said when asked about what it felt like the be on the other side out the outcome this time.
He continued to say that the win was just a relieving feeling
Jake Stadler spoke on the win as well, saying that the energy from their dugout thought the game also made a huge difference.
“That energy is so contagious,” Stadler said, “like when you're playing on the field, you know, your boys are there behind you just like firing you up.”
Mercer commented, saying when in the dugout they call themselves the pit crew, and for Indiana it's been making all the difference lately.
Brock Tibbitts did exit the game early after suffering an injury behind the plate at catcher. Tibbitts limped to the dugout favoring one of his legs and was seen later on with crutches and a wrapped knee. Mercer was asked about Tibbitts after the game and said, “I don't know, they'll get him in for testing and they'll take a look at it.”
Indiana will travel this weekend to College Park, Maryland for a three-game series against the Terrapins.
