Junior righthander Eric Arnett pitched great in a complete game victory. He only surrendered 6 hits and 2 earned runs on the day. While 1 earned run occurred via a solo homerun aided by wind, the other scored when we failed to convert an inning-ending double play opportunity. In the series preview prior to the weekend, I labeled this game as the "strikeout matchup." Neither starting pitcher disappointed as Minnesota's Buske struck out 6 in 6.1 innings with Arnett besting him by striking out 10 in his complete game effort (Note: for those that may need more of an incentive to take in an IU baseball game, all attendees get a coupon for free breadsticks from Mother Bears when IU strikes out 8, and today was one of those days!).
As evidenced by the stat line alone, Arnett pitched a phenomenal game. With about 8 radar guns on him all game, he routinely pitched in the low-mid 90's, even touching 94 in the 9th inning.
At the plate, IU only recorded 7 hits, but it was enough to get the win as Arnett and the defense held Minnesota to only 2 runs. Freshman Alex Dickerson was the hero at the plate for IU finishing with a leadoff double and a 2-run homer. Back in CF today, Evan Crawford also had 2 hits, including a double. However, it is worth noting that the speedy Crawford was caught stealing for the first and second time all year this afternoon . He was thrown out in the 3rd inning stealing 2nd and again in the 8th coming home on a missed suicide squeeze bunt. Both were well called pitch-outs by the Minnesota coaching staff.
The defensive play of the game for IU occurred in the 8th when Minnesota's first batter hit what would normally be a routine fly ball to left field. However, given the strong wind blowing directly out to left at Sembower today, the ball kept drifting further and further toward the wall until Kipp Schutz eventually caught it with his arm extended and his back up against the wall.
Hopefully, weather permitting, IU and projected starter Matt Bashore get another W tomorrow to take 2 of 3 from Minnesota and start the conference season off moving in the right direction with a series win. Go Hoosiers!
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You hit the nail perfectly. It sounded like the catch by Schutz was really crucial. In addition, I commend Arnett for closing the 9th. Finishing a game is a welcome relief!!
ReplyDeleteHowever, not being a huge baseball strategist, I have noticed that we continually throw our starters to the bitter end while other teams use these guys called "relievers." Some of them are even called "middle relievers." I suppose that's because they come in during the "middle" of the game.
And then there are these "closer" guys that just come in during the last inning. We've got some of those guys, don't we??!!!
Just curious as to what happens later in the season if we don't start using some of those reliever and closer bubbas!!
p.s. Eric, fabulous pitching today!!! Keep bringing those scouts in...they're great for everyone!