Team looks for 2nd solid Big Ten showing

IU looks to rebound from its 5-4 loss at Indiana State when it returns home to face Iowa in a four-game set. The Hoosiers (20-5) enter the battle tied for first place in the Big Ten after going 3-1 against Illinois. Iowa (9-11) is 1-3 in the Big Ten after its series against Michigan. \n"It's very important to come back and play well in front of our home crowd," head coach Bob Morgan said. "Every team we face in the Big Ten will be tough. Iowa has a good pitching staff, and they play good defense."\nSenior Ian Mattiace is Iowa's top threat at the plate. He leads the team in every offensive category. He is batting .358, has 24 hits, 14 RBIs, seven doubles and is tied for the team lead with three home runs. The Hawkeyes hold a 53-40 all-time edge over the Hoosiers.\nThe Hoosiers' 20-5 record is IU's best start since 1999. That year the Hoosiers started the season 20-3 but did not win their Big Ten season-opening series. Several Hoosiers are looking to continue their recent success this weekend.\nJunior third baseman Vasili Spanos was named the Big Ten Player of the Week for the second straight week. This time he shares the honor Michigan's Mike Sokol. Spanos posted a .500 average with two home runs and knocked in eight runs in the five games last week.\nSenior shortstop Eric Blakeley scored his 100th run of his career Sunday against Illinois. He followed that by hitting a three-run walk-off homer to beat the Illini in the series finale.\n"This will be the first time I've ever played against Iowa," Blakeley said. "We need to worry about ourselves and play our game."\nJunior center fielder Kennard Jones extended his hitting streak to 13 at Indiana State. He is hitting .427 with nine doubles, two triples and 14 stolen bases.\n"I haven't been thinking about (the hitting streak) much," Jones said. "My role is a lead-off hitter. I try to get on base any way possible. We have a powerful lineup, and I know they'll drive me in if I get on base."\nHe'll try to continue his streak at 3 p.m. today at Sembower Field. Saturday will be a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m., and the series finale is Sunday at 1 p.m.