2-3-4

Although it’s early, you can’t help but applaud the performance of IU’s 2, 3, and 4 hitters so far this season. In thirteen games, Jerrud Sabourin (2), Josh Phegley (3) and Alex Dickerson (4) are hitting a combined .439 with 11 homeruns and 47 RBIs and slugging a robust .689. In case you are keeping score at home, this trio accounts for more than 44% of the team’s hits and a little more than 50% of the team’s RBIs. In a season where IU’s opponents have scored 6 or more runs 7 times, it’s nice to have this type of production in the middle of the order. Everyone knows about Phegley. He is a household name and has garnered significant national attention after his breakout sophomore campaign. However, if Sabourin and Dickerson continue to produce at their current rate, Phegley may just have some competition from his own teammates for the Big Ten Player of the Year award many thought he was a lock to win. Clearly, if you are an IU fan, this is a good competition to have. Looking out at the rest of the Big Ten, I think it would be safe to say that any other conference team will be hard pressed to match this type of production from the 2-3-4 slots. Granted, it is still early, but IU players, coaches and fans alike have got to like what they are seeing from Sabourin, Phegley and Dickerson to this point. Will this production translate into wins and ultimately into that coveted Big Ten title? Only time will tell.