GRANGER, Ind. – Brett Sikorski’s three-hit day and two-run home run helped fuel IU South Bend’s offensive outburst on Tuesday afternoon, as the Titans scored 18 runs in an 18-8 win over Trinity Christian to close the series and take two of three over the Trolls at Rex Weade Stadium.
The Titans (11-23, 5-13 CCAC) scored a run in the 1st and 2nd innings, before exploding for seven runs apiece in the 3rd and 4th frames for the win. Sikorski’s blast in the top of the 3rd made it a 4-0 game, scoring Brenden Bell after a leadoff single before another five runs would come home throughout the rest of the inning.
In the top of the 4th, five two-out base hits would lead to seven more runs, highlighted by a two-RBI single for Donnie Necas, and a two-RBI double for Bell. IUSB would add two more in the 5th on Owen Benson’s RBI double down the right field line; the junior would then advance to third on a throw home, and score on a throwing error down the third-base line.
Robbie Berger earned the win in relief, throwing 3.2 shutout innings with five strikeouts. Max Govert secured a perfect 6th inning with a pair of K’s.
Trinity Christian would rally in the bottom of the 7th, scoring eight runs but came up just short of avoiding the run rule.
Six players would have multiple base hits for IUSB, led by Sikorski and Kole Miller, who each finished with three hits in the win.
The Titans will carry their two-game win streak into a doubleheader at Saint Xavier on Thursday, April 14. First pitch with the Cougars is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET.