A seven-run second inning allowed IU to recapture the lead, and the Hoosiers never looked back en route to a 12-7 win against the University of Pittsburgh Panthers.
Junior designated hitter Micah Johnson led off the game with a solo shot. Later that inning, junior first baseman Trace Knoblauch flied out to center with the bases loaded.
The Hoosiers capitalized on their opportunities the following inning. Freshman left fielder Chris Sujka struck out. Junior center fielder Justin Cureton drew a walk. Johnson drew a walk as well. After sophomore shortstop Dustin DeMuth flew out to left field, Pitt catcher Elvin Sato committed a two-base throwing error, as he tried to pick off Johnson at first.
Cureton scored from second base. Johnson moved to third. Freshman third baseman Sam Travis doubled, scoring Cureton. Freshman catcher Kyle Schwarber notched his first career RBI with a double down the right-field line.
Pitt starter Luke Curtis then ceded two consecutive walks to load the bases. Knoblauch stepped to the plate, and was hit by a pitch to force in a run.
Sujka made his second plate appearance of the inning, and he laced a single to center to drive in two. He took second on a fielding error. Subsequently, Curtis threw a wild pitch, allowing Knoblauch to score. Cureton grounded out to newly-inserted relief pitcher Alex Caravella to end the frame.
IU sent 11 batters to the plate that inning. Six runs were scored with two men out, and the Hoosiers knocked Curtis out after 1 2/3 innings. The Panthers' redshirt freshman allowed eight runs (six earned) on four hits. But the Hoosiers drew six walks and Curtis hit two IU batters with pitches.
When the half-inning came to a close, IU led 8-2.
Indiana's bullpen held the Panthers at bay - Pitt didn't get closer than three runs (the score was 9-6 after four) the rest of the game.
Worth noting:
IU hit 5-7 with runners in scoring position against Pitt.
The Hoosiers were balanced in terms of who drove in runs. Four players drove in two runs, and three other Hoosiers drove in one run apiece.
Indiana scored in five different endings. In three of the following half-innings, Pitt responded with runs of their own.
IU drew 7 walks - six against Curtis. The IU pitching staff surrendered only two walks.
Each team committed three errors. But only three of Pitt's seven runs were earned.
Sunday's win gave Indiana a winning record at the Big Ten-Big East Challenge. They're 5-4 in the three years they've participated.
