Behind great pitching from IU freshman Blake Monar and junior Eric Arnett, respectively, the Hoosiers were able to win the first two games of a three-game series against Iowa.
Earlier today, Arnett went a full nine innings, giving up only two hits and one earned run against the Hawkeyes. His 11-strikeout performance on the mound earned the 5-1 victory and moved his season record to 7-1 (3-0 in the Big Ten). In addition to Arnett, the Hoosiers bats were also on.
Junior catcher Josh Phegley started the Hoosier attack in the fourth inning with a one-run home run, tying the game at 1-1. Later that inning with junior second baseman Tyler Rogers and sophomore outfielder Kipp Schutz on base, junior outfielder Evan Crawford singled to drive both players home.
In the eighth inning, freshman DH Alex Dickerson doubled down the right-field line, scoring Phegley. Schutz hit an RBI fielder's choice, bringing home Dickerson two batters later.
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On Friday, Monar was brilliant on the mound in leading the Hoosiers to a 6-2 win. The freshman from Rockport went the full nine innings, giving up only two earned runs and ten hits to go along with nine strikeouts.
The initial run for IU came in the second inning, with Schutz on second base. Rogers singled to centerfield to drive in Schutz. The Hoosiers broke things open in the sixth inning when Schutz brought home Phegley and 1st baseman Jerrud Sabourin.
Sabourin's triple in the ninth inning scored freshman third baseman Vince Gonzalez and outfielder Chris Hervey to make the game 6-2.
IU concludes the three-game series against Iowa on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in Iowa City. Stay with the "Inside Pitch" for updated information about the IU baseball team.
