Hoosiers suffer non-conference loss

The Hoosiers suffered a loss at home Wednesday to Miami of Ohio (23-11, 6-1 Midwestern Athletic Conference) after surrendering a two-run lead late in the game. IU (21-15, 5-7 Big Ten) gave up seven runs in the top of the ninth after holding the Redhawks scoreless for the previous three innings.\nIU coach Bob Morgan said the team wasn't able to step up to the plate when it mattered.\n"You've got to give (the Redhawks) the credit they deserve," Morgan said. "We played well, but they came up with the key hits in the last inning. We just needed to shut the door and win the ballgame."\nMiami struck first, scoring two runs in the fourth inning off consecutive doubles. The Redhawks struck again an inning later when catcher John Slone hit a solo home run, giving them a 3-0 lead. \nBut before the Redhawks had any time to enjoy their lead, the Hoosiers answered with four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Sophomore infielder Ryan Parker got things started with a leadoff home run. Later in the inning, with two runners on base, sophomore infielder Jay Brant belted a three-run shot to give the Hoosiers a 4-3 lead.\nBrant said the Hoosiers were able to figure out the Redhawks pitching.\n"In the fifth, we finally made some adjustments for their pitcher," Brant said. "He kept throwing a fastball followed by a changeup and we were finally able to put the bat on it."\nEntering the seventh inning with a one-run lead, the Hoosiers were determined to make their lead bigger. Freshman infielder Josh Richardson led off with a single to right field. Senior catcher Cody Wargo then laid down a sacrifice bunt advancing Richardson to second base. Freshman outfielder Rashard Graves gave the team a run it desperately needed when he singled to center field, scoring Richardson. \nGraves' hit gave the Hoosiers a 5-3 lead that would remain until the ninth inning.\nWith a two-run lead entering the ninth, the Hoosiers sent junior pitcher Steve Nielsen to the mound to close the game. The Redhawks tied the game up when shortstop Jon Franzese blasted a two-run home run with one out. Later in the inning, Miami had the bases loaded when Redhawk third baseman Brian Canada belted a grand slam. The inning finally ended when Redhawk infielder Geoff Orr flew out.\nSophomore infielder Ryan Parker said the grand slam was hard to watch.\n"It was tough, but at that point in the game, you can't get down," Parker said. "You know you have one more chance and you just try to concentrate on your job. Now, we just need to stay focused on this weekend."\n-- Contact staff writer Cory Steger at csteger@indiana.edu.