Indiana baseball extended its winning run to four consecutive games Wednesday night, trapping Purdue University Fort Wayne in a 12-2 blowout victory. With the win, Indiana also continued its run of home wins, winning the three games it has played at Bart Kaufman Field.
Hoosier’s offense has shined in recent games, which they did not hold back in Tuesday’s game. They scored a total of 12 runs, marking the fourth time the team has scored 10 or more runs in the last six games.
Freshman third baseman Josh Pyne started the scoring by bringing in a runner with an RBI single in the second inning to put Indiana on the board early. Pyne continued to drive offensive production throughout the game, finishing with three RBIs.
Indiana scored at least one run in the final five innings to secure victory and end the game. Alongside Pyne’s efforts, junior catcher Matthew Ellis took several walks around the bases, batting in two home runs.
It was the second game this season in which Ellis has housed twice in one game, with the first one dating back to a March 5 victory against Missouri State University.
“He has the ability to slow down and control himself,” head coach Jeff Mercer said of Ellis. “When it’s locked in, and it’s OK, there’s no one more dangerous than I’ve ever been trained. It’s a good one, and I’m glad it’s on our side. I’m glad he’s playing for us. ”
Ellis’ batting average now sits at .333 on the year, and he has seven home runs through 12 games to lead the team. Freshman Brock Tibbits leads the team with a batting average of .405. Ellis said he has taken the same attitude at the plate all season, keeping the same mindset as he came into the season.
“It’s kind of keeping to the plan we’ve used all year,” said Ellis. “Do the same drills and do the same things with Mercer and (Coach) Weatherford, and keep the same routine every day.”
Indiana pitchers only surrendered five hits on the night, solidly supporting Indiana’s active batsman. Only three of the five pitchers that appeared in Indiana gave up a shot, as graduate student Joe Moran and junior Bothwell House did not surrender a single shot while on the mound. Indiana also allowed only two extra base hits.
Indiana will next travel to Troy, Alabama, to challenge Troy University in a three-game series this weekend. Indiana will play the three-game series before starting 11 home games. The first pitch against Troy University is set for 7 p.m. Friday on ESPN +.
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