In a standout performance at Charles Hawkins Field, Indiana baseball took down Vanderbilt 5-1, showcasing a blend of pitching prowess and timely hitting. This victory bumps the Hoosiers' record to 8-12, with a 4-8 mark on the road.
Conner Linn, Indiana's seasoned lefty, took the mound to start the game. Over 3.2 innings, he kept Vanderbilt's hitters at bay, allowing just four hits and one walk while striking out five. His effort set the tone early, keeping the Commodores off balance.
The Hoosiers broke the scoreless tie in the third inning. Sophomore Will Moore drew a walk, setting the stage for Hogan Denny. The sophomore catcher/outfielder launched a two-run homer to right field, giving Indiana the early edge.
Denny wasn't done yet. In the seventh, after another Moore walk, Denny crushed his second two-run homer to extend Indiana's lead to 5-0. Denny finished the day 4 for 5, marking his second multi-homer game of the season-his previous feat came against Bradley University.
Adding to the offensive fireworks, Jake Hanley chipped in with an RBI infield single. Despite a stellar defensive effort from Vanderbilt's Brodie Johnston, Hanley's speed was too much, and the Hoosiers added another run to their tally.
On the mound, Indiana's bullpen was lights out. Jacob Vogel relieved Linn in a tight spot in the fourth, striking out Aukai Kea to escape the inning unscathed. Vogel delivered 2.1 scoreless innings, maintaining the shutout with poise.
Freshman Ivan Mastalski took over in the seventh, striking out three over two innings, though he allowed one run. Vanderbilt's lone score came from Chris Maldonado, who knocked an RBI single in the eighth.
Gavin Seebold closed it out for Indiana, working around a leadoff walk by inducing a double play to seal the win. The Hoosiers' pitching was clutch, holding Vanderbilt to a mere 1 for 16 with runners in scoring position.
This win marks Indiana's first triumph over an SEC opponent since 2023, when they bested Kentucky. It's a testament to the team's resilience and ability to rise to the occasion against formidable foes.