After a challenging start to the season against the University of North Carolina, Indiana baseball is gearing up for a home game against Bradley University. In that opening series, the Hoosiers struggled, allowing 25 runs over three games, primarily from their relievers.
Head coach Jeff Mercer expressed his belief that the team remained competitive in the early innings. He noted, “[In] all three games, we were in a one or two run game in the fifth and sixth innings.” Mercer emphasized that while they faced setbacks, he saw potential and talent in his team.
The series featured five errors, notably from sophomore infielder Cooper Malamazian and senior infielder Aiden Stewart, whose late-game misplay might have cost them a victory. Regardless of these errors, Mercer is proud of how his team fought in tough circumstances. “We’re talented enough, we’re capable,” he remarked.
Amid the challenges, a couple of players stood out. Sophomore infielder Will Moore extended his on-base streak to 21 games, while Hogan Denny achieved a .538 on-base percentage without striking out during the series. With a young roster, Tuesday’s matchup can serve as a chance to reshape their momentum before stepping into a tough non-conference schedule.
In the upcoming game, Indiana will face Bradley, whose new head coach, Justin Dedman, has largely revamped the roster. Dedman retained only six players and watched as the Braves experienced a mixed series against Bethune-Cookman. So far, senior outfielder Ashton Horchem is demonstrating strong performances, leading his team with a .429 batting average.
With investment in new talent, both teams are looking to improve. Indiana has a busy schedule ahead, including a trip to Jacksonville for the Live Like Lou Classic, where they’ll meet strong teams like LSU and Notre Dame. This week’s match against Bradley is crucial for both teams to establish early confidence as the season unfolds.
As the Hoosiers focus on consistency, it remains to be seen how they’ll bounce back and start their season on a strong note.
For more insights on college baseball trends and team performances, you can check out resources like NCAA Baseball.
