Indiana softball earned six consecutive run-rule victories prior to its matchup against the University of Southern Indiana on Wednesday. However, in their final game before Big Ten play, the Hoosiers trailed for the first time since their March 2 contest with Clemson University.
Southern Indiana started the scoring in the second inning as freshman catcher Jordan Mackey laced a two-RBI double to left center field to break a scoreless tie before the Screaming Eagles later extended their lead to 5-1 in the top of the sixth inning.
Down four runs, Indiana needed a big sixth inning to secure a comeback win and gain momentum going into conference play.
The Cream and Crimson began the frame strong as sophomore utility player Aly VanBrandt and freshman infielder Sydni Burko picked up back-to-back hits to position runners at second and third base.
Freshman infielder Madalyn Strader entered the batter’s box with the two runners on base. The Cedar Park, Texas, native has enjoyed an impressive freshman campaign so far. Strader's .511 batting average has helped propel Indiana to a team average of .402, which leads the nation.
Facing an opportunity to close the four-run gap, Strader lined a single through the left side as VanBrandt rounded the bases to score the Hoosiers’ second run of the game.
Following Strader’s hit, sophomore utility player Alex Cooper drew a walk to load the bases as senior outfielder Taylor Minnick entered the batter’s box.
With two outs and the bases loaded, Minnick skied the ball to center field and watched as it sailed past the wall to give the senior her first grand slam of her four-year career and push the Hoosiers in front with a 6-5 lead.
Minnick, Indiana’s all-time RBI leader, is off to the best start of her collegiate career. The Bloomington native is on pace to break her single-season marks in major statistical categories, including hits, RBIs and homeruns. Minnick also leads the team with a .515 batting average, which places her 10th in the nation in the category.
“It’s my fourth year and I’ve been in the lineup for four years now, so I go out there knowing I’m better than the pitcher that I’m going to face, and just go up there with more confidence than I probably have most seasons,” Minnick said following a 12-3 victory over Bowling Green State University on March 8.
In the circle, senior pitcher and utility player Brianna Copeland closed out the final inning to secure the comeback victory as she picked up her fourth win of the season while the Hoosiers improved to 19-5 on the season.
Minnick and the Hoosiers’ offense aims to continue their high-scoring efforts as they begin Big Ten play this weekend against Iowa in a two-game slate. The first game will be played at 1 p.m. Saturday, with the second taking place at 1 p.m. Sunday.
