It may sound like a bad drink favored by our northern neighbors. But alas, it's what I've termed the Hoosiers' performance this Saturday after IU split a double-header with the Gophers.
After losing game on 5-4, the Hoosiers took the second contest 8-3, giving them a chance to come away from their first conference series with a split decision, pending the outcome of tomorrow's game.
In the first game of the day, the Hoosiers succumbed to a four-run third inning en route to a 5-4 loss. The Hoosiers scored in the first and third, but were unable to draw the game even after Minnesota's monster third.
Tyler Tufts picked up the loss for the Hoosiers, pitching five of the six innings (doubleheaders are shortened in college baseball - the second game was only seven innings) and giving up all five runs, four earned. Andrew Means went 3-for-4 and scored twice in the loss.
Josh Phegley ensured a better outcome in the second performance, blasting a home run three rows deep into the outfield seats at the Metrodome in Minneapolis to lead the Hoosiers to the 8-3 win. Means also went 2-for-3, upping his hit total to five on the day.
Perhaps the best piece of news for the Hoosiers came over the course of the 3 1/3 innings worked by sophomore lefty Jason Ferrell. The Columbus, Ohio, native is only recently returned from Tommy John surgery, making his first appearance in relief against Xavier.
Ferrell gave up only one run and struck out three for the Hoosiers. Believe me, this kid's return means more to this team than just a healthy southpaw in the pen. He gave his teammates a pleasant surprise when he came in against Xavier. I'll have more on this tomorrow, but believe me, Ferrell's return came as a definite lift to this team coming into Big Ten play.
One other stat of note and then I'm gone: The Hoosiers committed just two errors today - one each game. Defense has been an Achilles heel for some time for IU this year, but it didn't let them down today. Rome wasn't built in a day, and this problem won't be going away that fast either, but it's certainly a step.
The Hoosiers are back in action tomorrow at 2:05 EDT. As always, you can follow the game on Gametracker or through the live audio offered by our good friends and IUHoosiers.com.
And I'm out....
