Hoosiers finish off Spartans

Senior pitcher Steve Nielsen did not allow his unfamiliar role as starter to hurt his performance on the mound as the IU baseball team closed out their series against Michigan State with an 11-3 victory at Sembower Field. \nThe win gave the Hoosiers their third win of the four game series against the Spartans.\nThe victory also clinched a series win for the team, a first during Big Ten play.\nNielsen, normally a relief pitcher, made his first start of the season for the Hoosiers, pitching five solid innings while giving up only two runs on five hits.\n"I took it just like a relief appearance," Nielsen said. "It's just like pitching in relief in my mind, but it felt good to get out there with a clean slate -- nobody on and nobody out."\nIU (25-23, Big Ten 8-16) hitters made sure that Nielsen's first start of the season would be a successful one. The bats were hot all day as the team matched their 11 hits with 11 runs. \nThe constant barrage of hits combined with the eight walks given up by the erratic Spartan pitching staff forced MSU (18-25, Big Ten 7-13) to use seven different pitchers throughout the game.\nOnce the Hoosiers reached base they took advantage of it, stealing five bases on the afternoon, IU coach Bob Morgan said.\n"Getting a lead and then being able to extend the lead allows us to run and do things on the bases," Morgan said. "We just play much better when that happens."\nSenior right fielder Joe Kemp extended his impressive weekend at the plate against the Spartans. After hitting for the cycle Saturday, Kemp took a pitch deep to right field for a two-run shot in the first inning that put IU up 2-0. He followed his home run with two singles, giving him three RBIs and three runs scored for the day. Kemp finished the series batting .600 with two home runs and 11 RBIs.\n"I saw the ball really well throughout the weekend," Kemp said. "I hope I can keep it up, but it's a hard thing to keep up, hitting the ball that well." \nThe Hoosiers needed the services of only two pitchers Monday to finish off the Spartans. Junior left-hander Adam Poole continued Nielsen's success, taking over for the starter in the 6th inning. In four innings of work, Poole gave up just one earned run on two Spartan hits to earn his first career save.\nThe Hoosiers will travel to Michigan this weekend for a four game series against the Wolverines starting Friday at 6:35 p.m.