IU belts out 16 runs in victory

IU coach Bob Morgan spoke to his team Tuesday afternoon and stressed the importance of the 16 games remaining in the season. After inclement weather postponed the Hoosiers' match-up with Marian College Tuesday, IU faced the IU-Southeast Grenadiers Wednesday afternoon. Seven pitchers and 16 runs later, the Hoosiers picked up their 21st win of the season.\n"We were able to use a lot of pitchers in our bullpen," Morgan said. "I told the guys that we have to focus right now and make this a fresh 16-game season from here on out."\nThe Hoosier pitching staff surrendered only six hits and one run all day. Freshman right-hander Matt Saba got the start for IU, giving up only one hit and striking out two batters in two innings pitched. Senior right fielder Joe Kemp also made an appearance in the game and struck out three of the five batters he faced in the top of the ninth inning.\n"Our pitching was phenomenal today," Kemp said. "We did not allow a lot of walks. Anytime I can get out there and pitch, it's definitely a positive thing."\nThe Hoosier bats swung away against the Grenadier pitching staff, recording 17 hits on the day. Senior first baseman Corby Heckman and freshman shortstop Tyler Cox led the attack with three hits apiece. \n"It was nice to get batting practice and be able to take a strong approach to my hitting," Cox said. "We couldn't have asked for anymore though today with our pitchers."\nKemp added two hits and four RBIs of his own, as well as maintaining his team best ERA. The Hoosier lineup saw plenty of lineup changes throughout the game with 14 different players seeing time in the field. \n"We're really challenging our kids right now," Morgan said. "We could easily be 9-7 in conference right now as opposed to 4-12."\nIU got off to a quick start in the game, recording five runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Hoosiers then tacked on five more in the fourth inning to pad their lead.\nWith the non-conference victory, the Hoosiers improved to 21-19 overall on the season. IU will return to conference play this weekend when they head to Columbus to take on the Buckeyes in a four-game set.\n-- Contact Staff Writer Matt \nMattucci at mmattucc@indiana.edu.