Hoosiers Snap Losing Streak in Bloomington
Indiana’s baseball team finally turned the tide on Friday, posting a 10‑4 win over Illinois at Bart Kaufman Field. The victory ended a five‑game skid and gave the Hoosiers a much‑needed boost as they head into the second half of the series.
The Hoosiers struck first, capitalizing on a leadoff single by Hogan Denny that stole second before Caleb Koskie drove him home with an RBI double in the opening inning. Indiana added four more runs in the second frame, building a 5‑0 lead that set the tone for the rest of the game.
Illinois starter Regan Hall struggled early, surrendering six hits and five earned runs in just two innings. The Fighting Illini managed only a single run in the third, but the Hoosiers kept the pressure on, extending their advantage to 6‑1 later in the frame.
The real spark came from sophomore Owen ten Oever, who launched a three‑run homer in the sixth inning — his sixth of the season — to push the lead to 9‑1. Ten Oever finished the night 2‑for‑3 with four RBIs, tying his season high and underscoring his growing role in the lineup.
Tony Neubeck anchored the pitching staff, logging 6.1 innings with five strikeouts while allowing just three runs. The bullpen shut the door in the eighth, delivering the final eight outs and preserving the win.
Indiana outhit Illinois 12‑9 and went 6‑for‑14 with runners in scoring position, a testament to their clutch hitting. The team will look to carry that momentum into Game 2 on Friday at 6 p.m., which will be streamed live on Big Ten+.
What’s Next for the Hoosiers?
With the series shifting to the next matchup, the Hoosiers hope to build on their offensive fireworks and solid pitching. Coach Greg Darnell praised the team’s resilience and emphasized the importance of maintaining focus against a determined Illinois squad.