Indiana Wins First Big Ten Series, Takes Two of Three from Minnesota

Hoosiers rally from early deficit, power past Gophers in series victory

Mar. 23, 2026 at 6:25am

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Indiana secured its first Big Ten series win of the season, taking two of three games from Minnesota at Bart Kaufman Field. The Hoosiers rallied from an early deficit to win Friday's opener and followed with a power-driven performance Saturday to clinch the series, before Minnesota responded in the finale to avoid a sweep.

Why it matters

This series victory marks an important milestone for Indiana's baseball team as they look to build momentum in Big Ten play. The Hoosiers' ability to overcome early deficits and capitalize on key offensive moments showcases their resilience and competitiveness, which will be crucial as they continue to navigate the conference schedule.

The details

On Friday, Indiana erased a four-run deficit, with Jake Hanley's game-tying home run sparking the comeback. The Hoosiers' bullpen then delivered a strong performance to seal the win. Saturday saw Indiana erupt for five runs in the fifth inning, powered by home runs from Brayden Ricketts, Cole Decker, and Hanley, to clinch the series. In the finale, Minnesota jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a lopsided victory, but Indiana had already done enough to secure the series win.

  • The series took place on March 20-22, 2026 in Bloomington, Indiana.
  • Indiana won the series opener on Friday, March 20.
  • Indiana clinched the series with a win on Saturday, March 21.
  • Minnesota avoided the sweep with a victory on Sunday, March 22.

The players

Jake Hanley

Indiana's sophomore first baseman, who delivered four hits including a game-tying home run in the series opener and a three-run homer in the series-clinching win on Saturday.

Gavin Seebold

Indiana's graduate right-handed pitcher, who recorded the final 12 outs to seal the Friday win for the Hoosiers.

Tony Neubeck

Indiana's veteran left-handed starter, who worked through six innings and struck out eight in the Saturday victory.

Brayton Thomas

Indiana's sophomore left-handed pitcher, who struggled in the series finale and was unable to get the Hoosiers off to a strong start on Sunday.

Isaac Morton

Minnesota's starting pitcher on Saturday, who cruised early before the Hoosiers erupted for five runs in the fifth inning.

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What’s next

Indiana will look to build on this series victory as they continue Big Ten play, while Minnesota will aim to rebound in its next conference matchup.

The takeaway

Indiana's ability to rally from early deficits and find timely offensive production, combined with strong bullpen performances, proved to be the key factors in the Hoosiers' first Big Ten series win of the season. This series showcased the team's resilience and competitiveness, which will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the conference schedule.