The Indiana Hoosiers (42-13, 17-7) advanced to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals after knocking off the fifth-seeded Washington Huskies 9-2. Indiana will face the winner of No.1 Nebraska and No. 9 Michigan.
The Hoosiers were in control most of the game as they jumped out to an early lead. IU scored first in the bottom of the second inning when Brooke Mannon knocked in Ellie Goins with a single to right off Husky starter Sophia Ramuno.
The Hoosiers opened up the lead when Aly VanBrandt blasted a two-run home run, her third in the last five games, to right field to push IU’s lead to 3-0.
“I’m in attack mode. I know that I can’t swing safe, so I have to think attack, and then if they throw me a good pitch, I attack it.” VanBrandt told BTN after the game.
Three runs were enough for Indiana starting pitcher Ella Troutt, who came up big in pressure moments. Washington loaded the bases in the top of the second inning and Troutt came up with a big strikeout to end the threat.
Washington got back in the game in the top of the fifth inning when Alexis DeBoer knocked in two runs with a two-out single.
The Hoosiers did not flinch and immediately increased their lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Avery Parker knocked in two runs, but was not credited with an RBI, on an error. Josie Bird followed Parker with an RBI single to give IU a 6-2 lead and some breathing room.
Alex Cooper hit a long three-run home run to right field to put the game away.
Troutt threw five innings in the circle, allowing two runs. Freshman Aubree Hooks came out of the bullpen to pitch the final two innings.
Up Next for Indiana
With the win, Indiana advances to the Big Ten Tournament semifinal for the third time in four years. They will take on the winner of the game between No. 1 Nebraska and No. 9 Michigan Friday at 5 pm. The game will be televised on Big Ten Network.
