Stranding base runners in the first three innings, each of whom led off with singles, Steven Hill held IU's offense to a season-low one run. However, the No. 29 Hoosiers (17-3, 2-0) capitalized on Penn State second baseman Luis Montesinos's throwing error in the seventh and earned a 2-0 win in game one of the doubleheader Saturday afternoon at Bart Kaufman Field.
Senior shortstop Michael Basil reached base to lead off the seventh, as Montesinos's toss went wide left of first baseman J.J. White. Junior third baseman Dustin DeMuth sacrificed him to second. Casey Smith grounded out to White and Chad Clark walked.
On Hill's first offering, sophomore left fielder Will Nolden executed the suicide squeeze wonderfully. Hill got off the mound quickly to field the ball rolling slowly down the third base line. His throw, however, pulled White off the bag and Basil crossed to give the Hoosiers a 1-0 lead.
Sophomore designated hitter Scott Donley delivered an RBI single under the glove of Montesinos, ranging to his right. Sophomore first baseman Sam Travis scored to double the Hoosiers' lead.
Donley pulled into a tie with sophomore catcher Kyle Schwarber, collecting his 25th RBI.
The two runs were sufficient for sophomore southpaw Kyle Hart, who recorded his fourth win against zero defeats. The Cincinnati native threw an average of 13.25 pitches per inning. He allowed three hits in eight innings of work, striking out seven and issuing two free passes.
His ERA shrunk to 1.25.
Ryan Halstead induced a double play to record his fourth save. It was the 26th twin killing Hoosier pitching has induced this season.
To contextualize the Hoosiers' efficiency, they have committed 25 errors.
Hill, meanwhile, the Nittany Lions' ace, threw 99 pitches and took his fourth loss, surrendering the lone run on five hits in 7 1/3 innings.
IU increased their win streak to 10 games.
