On a Saturday afternoon that felt destined to be a low-scoring duel between two former SEC arms, Indiana flipped the game in a matter of swings.
By Zach Horwitz @HorwitzZach March 21st, 2026, photos by Carl James
“You can either pout… or you can bring energy and enthusiasm”
— Head Coach Jeff Mercer
Indiana Hoosiers 7, Minnesota Golden Gophers 2
Inning by inning details in the Live Game Blog | Box Score
On a Saturday afternoon that felt destined to be a low-scoring duel between two former SEC arms, Indiana flipped the game in a matter of swings.
After being held hitless through four innings by Minnesota right-hander Isaac Morton, the Hoosiers broke through in the fifth and never looked back, securing their first Big Ten series win of the season.
Morton, a former Texas A&M starter and 19th-round draft pick out of high school, looked every bit the part early. Sitting 93–97 mph with a lively fastball and pairing it with a sweeping slider, he kept Indiana off balance the first two times through the order.
But as the game wore on, Indiana’s approach never wavered.
“We actually had some good swings on him earlier,” head coach Jeff Mercer said. “The ball stayed flat… before you’re just missing, then you’re on them.”
It was the bottom half of the lineup that finally cracked the code.
Cole Decker and Brayden Ricketts, hitting in the six and seven spots, launched back-to-back solo home runs on fastballs on the outer half to tie the game at two. Moments later, Jake Hanley delivered the decisive blow, hammering a three-run homer, his fourth of the season, to give Indiana the lead for good.
All three left-handed hitters drove the ball the other way, a reflection of Indiana’s disciplined, location-based approach at the plate.
“When you cover a location and not a pitch, you’re able to attack it that way and have consistent, hard contact,” Mercer said.
As Morton’s outing progressed, subtle changes began to show.
“I think probably just the arm slot dropped a little bit… it’s a hot day, and all of a sudden the sink didn’t have the depth,” Mercer said. “As soon as he lost a tick, we were able to get on it and capitalize.”
The offensive outburst was matched by a noticeable energy shift in Indiana’s dugout, which played a role in fueling the rally.
“You can either pout… or you can bring energy and enthusiasm,” Mercer said. “We want to be the best dugout in the country.”
Before the fifth inning explosion, Indiana found itself trailing after Tony Neubeck allowed a two-out RBI single and a solo home run. The Missouri transfer quickly settled in, delivering six strong innings while allowing just those two runs and striking out eight.
“He’s a man… just keeps giving innings… doesn’t flinch,” Mercer said. “He really sets the tone.”
Indiana continued to tack on insurance runs late, with Landen Fry and Caleb Koskie each driving in runs to extend the lead.
Out of the bullpen, Jacob Vogel provided crucial length, allowing just one hit over 2.1 innings, while Jackson Yarberry closed the door to secure the win.
The Hoosiers improved to 3-5 in Big Ten play, clinching the series after receiving four innings from Gavin Seebold on Friday and additional length from Vogel on Saturday — a combination that positions the pitching staff well heading into the finale.
Indiana will look to complete the sweep Sunday, with first pitch set for 12:30 p.m.