Quick Hits: Evansville, Conference Update, Kipp Schutz

University of Evansville
RHP Mark Obenchain (3-2, 5.50 ERA) vs. LHP Drew Leininger (0-2, 9.13 ERA)

The University of Evansville baseball team will enter Tuesday's game looking to improve upon their 25-26 record and move to .500 for the season. With a .271 team batting average, the Purple Aces have not hit well at the plate this year. They do have several threats to keep an eye on at the dish, though, including catcher Andy Pascoe who checks in with a .350 BA as well as Cody Fick (.308 BA) and Greg Wallace (.307), both of whom have clubbed 8 homeruns on the season. On the base paths, the Hoosiers should be very aware of Jim Viscomi and his 26 stolen bases in 35 attempts on the year.

On the mound for UE will be senior Mark Obenchain. Although he has 5 decisions out of the bullpen, Obenchain will be making his first start of the season. He is listed as a "three-pitch pitcher with good command of the strike zone." In 37.2 innings pitched this year, he has given up 51 hits, struck out 21, and walked 11.

Check out this release from IUHoosiers.com for more on tonight's match-up.

Conference Update
With the top 3 conference teams each losing at least one game this weekend, the IU baseball team has reentered the regular season Big Ten championship picture. The Hoosiers currently sit only one game out of first place with 3 games left to play.

#1 Minnesota
Conference Record: 15-5
Series Remaining: at Penn State (7-14)
The Hoosiers will probably need Penn State to take 2 of 3 from Minnesota for IU to pass the Gophers in the standings (based on tie breaking scenarios).

#2 Ohio State
Conference Record: 15-6
Series Remaining: vs. Iowa (4-16)
If Iowa can manage to steal one from OSU this weekend, the Hoosiers can pass the Buckeyes in the standings with a sweep of MSU.

#3 Illinois
Conference Record: 15-6
Series Remaining: at Purdue (8-11)
As was the case with Ohio State, if Purdue can take one game from Illinois, the Hoosiers can pass the Illini with a sweep.

#4 Indiana
Conference Record: 14-6
Series Remaining: vs. Michigan State (12-8)
All of the above scenarios are contingent upon IU winning all 3 games against MSU this weekend. Simply put, we need to sweep!

As has been said before, the #1 and #2 seeds in the conference each get a bye in the conference tournament, meaning it could prove very beneficial for the Hoosiers to pass at least 2 of the top 3 teams in the current standings.

Kipp Schutz Article
There was a very nice article in today's Evansville Courier & Press. Kipp is from Evansville and will be making a trip home this evening when IU takes on the University of Evansville. Check it out!