Examining The Series:
Indiana just finished up a back breaking three-game series against the Oregon Ducks, losing all three games by a combined six total runs. Game 1 was a 3-2 loss, game 2 was a 5-1 loss, and game 3 was a 7-6 loss. The Ducks are a very good team, arguably 2nd best in the Big Ten, and could very well challenge for a National Title, but this was a series where the Hoosiers needed at least one game. Instead, they fall deeper into the hole that has been created this season.
There are plusses to the Oregon series – for example, pitching held up for the most part against a very good team. However, the bats fell silent at times. Across all three games, the Hoosiers managed just four extra base hits. Power at the plate has been a question for this Indiana side all season long, and this series showed first hand the limitations the Hoosiers face without it.
Now, the Hoosiers look to get back on track against the Vanderbilt Commodores in a Tuesday night matchup in Nashville. The game will take place at 3:00 PM ET and will be streamed through SECN+.
Vanderbilt is having a down season compared their high heights as a blue blood program. The Commodores’ RPI is currently 182nd in the country while their ELO ranking – a more analytical ranking system – lands at 48th in the country. Despite the slower start, the Commodores have won six of their last eight and look to be finding their stride. This will be a very difficult matchup for the Hoosiers, especially away from Bloomington.
To compare, the Hoosiers are now 105th in RPI rankings and land at 93rd by way of ELO. To put it lightly, the Hoosiers are at a crossroads.
Indiana Stats and Figures:
Two: There are two Indiana hitters who currently have an OPS above .900. Entering the season, we examined the Hoosiers’ need for power at the plate and that, while drawing walks is a good thing, it is not enough in today’s modern age of baseball. The Hoosiers had to replace two key pieces to the offense in the offseason who left for the MLB draft, which left a gaping hole in the lineup. Those replacements may very well be on the team currently – this Hoosiers squad certainly has talent – but steps need to be taken in the power department for those holes to be completely filled.
2.95 ERA: Indiana sophomore starting pitcher Brayton Thomas is quietly putting together a phenomenal year for the Hoosiers. Against the Ducks, he pitched 4 innings and allowed 3 hits and 1 run while striking out 5 and just walking 1. This brought his overall ERA to 2.95 on the year, good for first on the team among Indiana’s starting pitchers. Thomas continuing his strong pitching will go a long way towards Indiana’s future goals into next season and beyond.
Prediction and Next Series:
The Hoosiers played well against the Ducks, but ultimately fell short against a very good team. Vanderbilt is not as good as Oregon, but they are running hot at the moment and are playing on their home turf. As much as I want to predict the Hoosiers winning this one, I will have to go with a 5-1 loss.
After the Commodores, the Hoosiers face off in a three game weekend series at home against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. At this point in the season, it feels like a do or die series for this Indiana squad.
Stay locked in with Hoosier Huddle for recaps of IU baseball games and series along with previews examining each one ahead of time. Go Hoosiers!