Pitching staff faces challenge

After taking three of the four games in a Big Ten battle with Iowa last weekend, IU returns to the field today for a non-conference clash with Miami (OH) University at 3 p.m. at Sembower Field.\nThe Hoosiers will use this game as a tune-up for the upcoming series against Michigan State this weekend, and will also seek vengeance for last year's 5-1 loss at the hands of the RedHawks.\nIU looks to add another mark in the win column and improve on its 23-6 record, its best start since 1999 when it opened the season 26-6 after two Big Ten series.\nBut it will not be easy today after this weekend's pitching-draining series. The Hoosiers used eight pitchers in Sunday's 17-13 slugfest against Iowa, and now the pitching staff is stretched thin.\n"With all the pitchers we used this weekend, our pitching staff is pretty depleted," head coach Bob Morgan said. "We're going to have to mix and match and just get a couple of innings from people here and there."\nBut do not expect to see any of the Hoosier's top four starters tomorrow because Morgan is saving them for this weekend so IU can stay atop the Big Ten standings.\nMorgan said the pitching problem will act as an equalizer, and if Miami has a good game, the Hoosiers will be in for a challenge.\nThe 15-10 RedHawks enter the game with a team batting average over .300, while the Hoosiers hit just under .350 as a team.\nWeekday games always have the potential to showcase a barrage of offense. But the combination of both teams saving their pitching for the weekend and two potent offenses could create some serious fireworks at Sembower Field.\n"Our team will definitely come out swinging," junior outfielder Kenny Marrs said. "We have good hitters, even on our bench. The thing that's different about this team than teams in the past is our depth, and we have faith that our pitchers can go out and throw well."\nThe Hoosiers will look for two-time Big Ten Player of the Week junior Vasili Spanos to lead them offensively as he has done all season. \nSpanos is leading the team in batting average, doubles, home runs, RBI, slugging percentage, walks and on-base percentage.\nBut the Hoosiers will have to get it done on the defensive side as well, which they did not do in their loss to Iowa Sunday. IU committed five errors leading to five unearned runs.\n"Sunday was a tough loss," freshman Jay Brant said. "But we looked at the weekend on a positive note, so the loss really won't affect us. We shouldn't have any problems."\nMarrs agreed with Brant.\n"Our coaches know we're a solid defensive team," Marrs said. "Errors are part of the game"