IU claws Wildcats 13-5

The Hoosiers' return home was a successful one, as they downed Indiana Wesleyan 13-5. IU secured a firm grip on the game with a five-run first inning, thanks to some wild pitches and good base running. \nIU coach Bob Morgan said he was happy with the win but not the team's performance.\n"We were the better team today," Morgan said. "It's good to win the game, but we try to get better everyday, and I'm not sure we did that today."\nHeading into the bottom of the seventh, the Wildcats had closed the gap by scoring two runs in the top of the frame, making the score 10-3. The Hoosiers' freshman infielder Josh Richardson put the small Wildcat rally to bed by opening a three-run inning and a comfortable lead for the Hoosiers.\nRichardson said the Hoosiers were able to keep the lead because of good hitting.\n"We've been hitting well, and we kept getting a lot of runners on base," Richardson said.\nBeing back in Bloomington means playing in less than favorable weather, and Tuesday's game was no exception. With a 20-degree temperature difference between Florida and Bloomington, the Hoosiers showed no signs of slowing down in inclement weather. Junior center fielder Reggie Watson went two for six with a pair of runs despite playing in colder weather. \nWatson said the team can't concern itself with Mother Nature.\n"It's a little hard coming back," Watson said. "We just have to keep doing our thing and play."\nThe Hoosiers must now quickly turn their attention to today's game against Chicago State. The Cougars (1-16) have failed to hold an opponent under 10 runs just three times, and their only win was a 3-2 triumph over Monmouth. The Cougars are led by sophomore outfielder John Torres, who has a .293 batting average and leads the team in total bases. Chicago State has lost its last three games and four out of its last five. \nDespite the Cougars' bad record, Morgan said the Hoosiers can't let their guard down.\n"We're going to focus on having a good approach because the only control you have is how your team plays," Morgan said. "You play the game, not a name."\n-- Contact staff writer Cory Steger at csteger@indiana.edu.