Jeff Mercer reaches 200 win mark as Hoosier skipper, Kraft and Gilley shove in 8-4 win
By Carl James @jovian34 May 3rd, 2025
Indiana Hoosiers 8, Abilene Christian Wildcats 4
Inning by inning details in the Live Game Blog | Box Score
Indiana Baseball took down the Abilene Christian Wildcats in the first game of their non-conference series in Texas on Friday. Ryan Kraft started on the mound for the Hoosiers. Kraft managed to keep the Wildcats scoreless in the first inning despite allowing a lead-off single. The Hoosiers took an early lead in the second inning, thanks to a 2-run home run off the scoreboard by Jake Stadler and an RBI groundout by Joey Brenczewski, making it 3-0.
Abilene Christian responded in the bottom of the second inning with a two-run homer, narrowing the gap to 3-2. However, Indiana extended their lead in the third inning with an RBI double by Andrew Wiggins, bringing the score to 4-2. Kraft continued to dominate on the mound, delivering several 1-2-3 innings and striking out seven batters over the course of his 6 innings of work.
In the sixth inning, Indiana’s offense exploded with a two-run home run by Hogan Denny and an RBI double by Jake Hanley, pushing the lead to 8-2. Despite a brief rally by the Wildcats in the bottom of the sixth, which included a two-run homer, Kraft maintained control and ended the inning with a pop-out.
The Hoosier offense was very balanced, with every starter reaching base at least once or driving a run. Korbyn Dickerson, who has been in a bit of a slump, reached three times, drawing two walks and getting on via an infield single. Fellow Golden Spikes candidate Devin Taylor was held out of the Friday lineup due to an illness. Austin Render mentioned on the radio call that Taylor did come to the ballpark and they are hoping he’s available for Saturday’s attempt to clinch the series.
Cole Gilley took over pitching duties in the seventh inning, aiming for a nine-out save. He faced some challenges, including allowing a lead-off walk, but managed to strand runners and keep the Wildcats from scoring. Gilley continued to perform well in the eighth and ninth innings, securing the win for Indiana with a final score of 8-4.
The victory marked Jeff Mercer’s 200th win as the Hoosier head coach, with Ryan Kraft earning the win and Cole Gilley achieving the save. Indiana showcased strong performances both at the plate and on the mound, setting a positive tone for the rest of the series. Game two of the series is at 4:05pm ET Saturday on ESPN+.