Team extends winning streak

With Wednesday's win against in-state foe Valparaiso, the baseball team accomplished a goal: enter the Big Ten season on a five-game winning streak. \nThe Hoosiers (14-7-1) broke open a 3-1 game with four runs in the seventh inning, and three Hoosier pitchers held the Crusaders (5-7) to six hits -- five of which were singles -- to send them into Friday's game against Penn State on cruise control. But coach Bob Morgan still isn't satisfied.\n"We have to be ready for this weekend," he said. "I wish the lineup was more solidified, but people get injuries. So be it, we have to work around that."\nMorgan has fiddled with his lineup since the Hoosiers' trip to Homestead, Fla., during spring break and received key hits from several players Wednesday. \nEight Hoosiers smacked hits, with freshman left fielder Mark Calkins leading the way with a 2-for-5 day at the plate with two runs scored. Junior first baseman Gibran Hamdan knocked in two runs, and senior outfielder Blake St. Clair extended his hitting streak to 11 games with an RBI single in the seventh inning. St. Clair also banged in a run in the third with a sacrifice fly. \n"I feel good at the plate, and I know the guys are looking to me to come through," St. Clair said.\nMorgan applauded IU's ability to get guys on base and manufacture runs.\nIU didn't need much offense, though. The pitching made sure of that. \nJunior left-hander Zach Otte (1-1) pitched the first three innings to claim his first victory of the season, giving up three hits and striking out one. Sophomore Jacob Cary tossed the next four innings, and senior Quinn Moore polished off the Crusaders during the final two innings, holding Valparaiso hitless.