I wonder if head coach Tracy Smith wishes his team could bottle up a performance like this and save some for later.
Behind a seven-run second inning, Indiana's offense exploded for 14 runs to win their Big Ten opener 14-2 against the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Sophomore starter Joey DeNato shut down the Nittany Lions, surrendering a lone run on four hits. He lowered his ERA to 1.62 in six innings of work. He also earned his fourth win in six starts.
But the story was Indiana's offense. Penn State starter John Walter retired the first four Hoosier batters. Junior shortstop Michael Basil, who hit 5-8 against EKU, doubled. Sophomore third baseman Dustin DeMuth struck out swinging.
The next seven Hoosiers reached base - six via base hit and one walk. Freshman left fielder Chris Sujka singled to drive home Basil, and took second on the throw to the plate. Redshirt freshman right fielder Will Nolden singled home Sujka.
Freshman second baseman Chad Clark hit the Hoosiers' third consecutive single, advancing Nolden to third. Junior center fielder Justin Cureton walked to load the bases. Freshman catcher Kyle Schwarber doubled to drive home two more.
The Hoosiers led 5-0, and still weren't done. Sophomore designated hitter Dillon Dooney delivered an RBI single, IU's third of the frame. Freshman first baseman Sam Travis singled, scoring Dooney. Basil struck out, and the inning finally - mercifully - drew to a close.
But not before the Hoosiers scored seven runs - and collected six hits - with two men retired.
The Hoosiers added five runs in the seventh, and won going away.
The win gives the Hoosiers their third in a row.
The series continues tomorrow a 2 P.M. IU will send senior Drew Leininger to the bump as they look to win the series.
Worth noting:
In addition to their 15 hits, the Hoosiers drew five walks.
Travis went 4-5 in this contest. He's now reached base all 22 games he's played.
The Hoosiers batted around twice--in the second and the seventh.
