OMAHA, Neb. – Four Iowa runs in the seventh innings turned a three-run lead for the Indiana baseball program into a one-run deficit and an eventual loss in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament. After the Hoosiers built a 4-1 lead, the Hawkeyes scored the final eight runs of the game to grab the 9-4 win.
The home team on the scoreboard, Indiana (41-17) opened the scoring with two runs in the bottom of the first inning, before both teams plated single runs in the second. After IU plated one in the bottom of the sixth to build a 4-1 lead, Iowa (41-13) took the lead with a four-run seventh. The Hawkeyes scored four more in the ninth inning.
Sophomore Luke Sinnard didn’t factor into the decision after he allowed one unearned run over six innings in the start. He allowed five hits, walked two and struck out five. With the five strikeouts, Sinnard moved his single season total to 109, which ties the program’s single season record with Vernon Wilshere (1934) and Eric Arnett (2009).
Redshirt senior Craig Yoho allowed three of the four seventh inning runs on two hits and a walk over one-third of an inning of work. Freshman Connor Foley (3-2) took the loss with one run allowed on one hit with a pair of walks in an inning of work. Sophomore Luke Hayden worked the final 1 2/3 innings and allowed four runs on three hits with two strikeouts.
Sophomore Brock Tibbitts drove in a pair of RBIs with a double to move his season total to 66 runs batted in, a total that sits tied for No. 9 on the single season charts with Josh Phegley (2009). Senior Phillip Glasser reached base three times in the contest with a single and two walks. He added one RBI and one run scored. Senior Hunter Jessee scored two runs and was on-base twice thanks to a pair of hit-by-pitch.
Kyle Huckstorf continued to be a thorn in the Hoosiers side as he had two hits, one run scored and three RBIs in the game. Eight of nine starters collected hits in the game and all nine starters reached base at least once in the contest. Will Christophers (4-1) picked up the win with 2 1/3 innings of scoreless work with six strikeouts.
Scoring Recap
Bottom First
Phillip Glasser walked and Bobby Whalen was hit-by-pitch to start the inning and a double steal with one out moved both into scoring position. Brock Tibbitts followed with a double to plate two RBIs.
Indiana 2, Iowa 0
Top Second
Kyle Huckstorf singled and stole second to start the inning and moved to third on a throwing error
Indiana 2, Iowa 1
Bottom Second
After Hunter Jessee was hit-by-pitch to start the inning and Tyler Cerny singled, Peter Serruto moved both runners into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. A wild pitch allowed Jessee to cross the plate.
Indiana 3, Iowa 1
Bottom Sixth
Jessee was hit-by-pitch for the second time in the game and worked his way around to third with two outs. Glasser singled up the middle to plate the run.
Indiana 4, Iowa 1
Top Seventh
A ground out started the inning, but Iowa saw five straight batters reach base with Sam Hojnar’s base hit scoring the first run and Huckstorf’s bases clearing double giving them the lead.
Iowa 5, Indiana 4
Top Ninth
With a runner on first and two outs, Cade Moss singled and Ben Wilmes followed with an RBI base hit up the middle. Sam Petersen capped the scoring with a three-run home run.
Iowa 9, Indiana 4
Up Next
Indiana will face Michigan at 2 p.m. on Friday (May 26) at 2 p.m. in an elimination game. The winner of that contest will need to beat Iowa twice on Saturday to reach the Big Ten Tournament championship game on Sunday. Each game of the Tournament will be carried on the Big Ten Network and Indiana Sports Radio Network via IUHoosiers.com/Audio.