Indiana baseball will open a three-game Big Ten series against Northwestern this weekend, beginning with a neutral-site matchup at Wrigley Field before shifting to Evanston, Illinois, for the final two games.
Wrigley Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs since 1916, will host Indiana for the first time in a regular-season game since the program’s last MLB appearance in 2019. Northwestern, meanwhile, has more recent experience at the ballpark, making four appearances there over the past decade.
Beyond the setting, both teams enter the weekend looking to improve their position in the Big Ten standings.
Indiana (20-25) sits 14th in the conference, while Northwestern (17-24-1) ranks 16th out of 17 teams. With three conference series remaining, each game carries added importance as teams look to climb the standings. Indiana holds a 39-20 advantage in the all-time series between the programs.
Indiana enters the weekend following a mixed stretch.
The Hoosiers showed offensive consistency throughout April but were swept in their most recent Big Ten series against Iowa. They responded in their midweek matchup against the University of Louisville, scoring 10 runs in a win that marked a return to their earlier offensive form.
That production will be tested Friday night.
The conditions at Wrigley Field are expected to play a factor. Temperatures are projected to be around 42 degrees at first pitch and drop into the high 30s as the game progresses, creating an environment that could limit offense.
Ballpark Pal’s weather model projects a decrease in run-scoring conditions, suggesting that pitching and execution may play a larger role in the series opener.
The Hoosiers have relied on offensive production in recent weeks, but Friday’s opener may require a more controlled, situational style at the plate.
Northwestern enters the series with a similar need for consistency.
The Wildcats have struggled to sustain momentum this season but have remained competitive in conference play. Their familiarity with Wrigley Field could provide an advantage early in the series, particularly in adapting to the ballpark’s conditions.
For Indiana, a strong start would mark a departure from recent conference play, where early deficits have forced the Hoosiers to play from behind. Establishing control early — both at the plate and on the mound — will be key in a setting that may not favor high-scoring games.
The series continues Saturday and Sunday in Evanston, where more traditional conditions could shift the matchup back toward offense.
But Friday presents something different.
A Major League ballpark, cold weather conditions and two teams looking to find consistency create a distinct start to the weekend.
Graduate left-hander Tony Neubeck is projected to start Friday night, entering with a 5-4 record and a 4.47 ERA. Sophomore left-hander Brayton Thomas is expected to take the ball Saturday, while Sunday’s starter has not been announced.
The series begins Friday at 8 p.m. EST at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The final two games will be played at Rocky and Berenice Miller Park in Evanston, Illinois, with first pitch set for 3 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Follow reporters Elakai Anela (@elakai_anela and eanela@iu.edu) and Will Kwiatkowski (@WKwiatkowski_15 and wdkwiatk@iu.edu) for updates throughout the Indiana baseball season.
