After IU’s opening series against Stanford IU Coach Chris Lemonis said that what decides baseball games is pitching and defense.
IU (2-2) made five errors in its 5-2 loss Friday against Presbyterian College (5-1) as part of the First Pitch Invitational in Greenville, S.C.
IU made three of its errors in a three run third inning by Presbyterian. Two of those runs were unearned.
All three runs Presbyterian scored against IU starting pitcher junior Scott Effross were a result of the third inning. Effross pitched six innings giving up three hits and no walks while striking out three.
IU scored both of its runs in the top of the third inning courtesy of an RBI single from junior catcher Brad Hartong.
The single to left field scored senior Casey Rodrigue from second base. Senior Will Nolden was able to score from first due to a fielding error by Presbyterian left fielder Brandon Martin.
Presbyterian starting pitcher Beau Dees pitched 7.1 innings allowing eight hits and no walks while striking out nine Hoosiers.
Ethan Wortkoetter pitched 1.2 innings while allowing one hit and striking out two to record his first save of the season.
IU next plays Saturday against Fordham at 4 p.m.
Michael Hughes
