Wildcats Drop Big Ten Tourney Opener to Hoosiers, 5-0

5/26/2010 12:00:00 AM | Baseball

May 26, 2010

Site: Columbus, Ohio (Bill Davis Stadium)
Score: Indiana 5, Northwestern 0
Records: NU (24-31), Indiana (28-25)
Next NU Event: Thursday, May 27 -- vs. Purdue; Columbus, Ohio (Bill Davis Stadium), 11:05 a.m. CT

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COLUMBUS, Ohio - Northwestern fell behind early and was unable to get its offense untracked in dropping its opening game of the 2010 Big Ten Baseball Tournament 5-0 to Indiana Wednesday afternoon at Bill Davis Stadium.

The loss drops the third-seeded Wildcats into the loser's bracket where they will face fifth-seeded Purdue in an elimination game at 11:05 a.m. Central time Thursday.

"We just didn't get the job done offensively today," Northwestern head coach Paul Stevens said. "This team has always found a way to come back this season and I fully expect them to do that tomorrow."

NU starting pitcher Eric Jokisch struggled with his command in the top of the first inning and Indiana was able to take advantage to jump out to an early lead. Following a leadoff walk, Alex Dickerson was hit by a pitch with one out. Michael Earley then followed with an RBI single to put IU on the board. Tyler Rogers plated another with a two-out hit before Ethan Wilson brought home two with a single to center to give the Hoosiers a 4-0 advantage as Jokisch was forced to throw 45 pitches in the opening frame.

Northwestern had baserunners in each of the first eight innings against Indiana starter Drew Leininger, but the Hoosier left-hander was able to work his way out of trouble every time to keep the Wildcats off the scoreboard.

Following the rough first inning, Jokisch was able to settle in and keep his team in the game. After watching his defense turn five double plays behind him in his most recent outing against Michigan State last Wednesday, Jokisch saw his teammates record three twin-killings against the Hoosiers.

After having their first two batters retired in the top of the seventh, Indiana recorded three consecutive singles, capped by a hit by Earley, to increase its lead to five runs.

Northwestern was able to touch Leininger for nine runs in 7 1/3 innings in his previous start against the Wildcats back on May 7, but NU was unable dent the scoreboard on Wednesday. The southpaw allowed a baserunner in each of the first eight innings, but still managed to pick up the shutout. Leininger (9-3) scattered eight hits and two walks while striking out six.

Jokisch (5-7) bounced back following the rough opening frame to hurl eight solid innings with three strikeouts. Chris Lashmet collected two of Northwestern's eight hits in the contest.

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