Indiana Baseball Splits 4-Game Series with Western Kentucky

Hoosiers' defense continues to struggle as they split series with Western Kentucky

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Indiana baseball team split a four-game series with Western Kentucky over the weekend, moving their record to 5-7 on the season. The Hoosiers' defense continues to be an issue, as they committed five errors in the series, bringing their total to 17 errors in 12 games. However, the team's starting pitchers, Tony Neubeck, Brayton Thomas, and Jackson Bergman, have kept the Hoosiers in games, with Neubeck and Thomas both turning in strong performances. Freshman DH Ricketts has been a bright spot for the Hoosiers, leading the team in several offensive categories.

Why it matters

Indiana's slow start and defensive struggles raise concerns about the team's ability to be competitive in Big 10 play. The Hoosiers' inability to limit errors and give opposing teams extra outs could continue to hurt them throughout the season. However, the strong performances from the starting pitchers and the emergence of Ricketts as a power hitter provide some optimism for the team's future.

The details

In the four-game series, Indiana split the series, winning two games and losing two. In the first game, Western Kentucky defeated Indiana 4-1. Indiana bounced back in the second game, winning 3-1. Western Kentucky then won the third game 14-12 before Indiana won the final game 7-3. Indiana's defense continues to be an issue, as they committed five errors in the series, including three on Saturday. Overall, the Hoosiers have made 17 errors in 12 games this season. However, the team's starting pitchers have kept them in games, with Neubeck, Thomas, and Bergman all turning in solid performances. Neubeck allowed just one run over 5.1 innings in the series opener and has allowed only two earned runs in three starts. Thomas and Bergman also had strong outings, with Bergman earning his first win of the season on Sunday. Offensively, freshman DH Ricketts has been a bright spot for the Hoosiers, leading the team in several offensive categories.

  • The four-game series took place over the weekend of March 3, 2026.
  • Indiana's next game is on Tuesday, March 5, 2026 at home against Northern Kentucky.

The players

Tony Neubeck

Indiana's starting pitcher who allowed just one run over 5.1 innings in the series opener and has allowed only two earned runs in three starts this season.

Brayton Thomas

Indiana's starting pitcher who allowed just one earned run on Saturday and has allowed just three earned runs in 12.2 innings pitched this season.

Jackson Bergman

Indiana's starting pitcher who earned his first win of the season on Sunday, allowing just one earned run over five innings.

Ricketts

Indiana's freshman designated hitter who went 9-for-15 (.600) with two home runs, seven RBIs, two doubles, and four runs in the series against Western Kentucky.

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What’s next

Indiana's next game is on Tuesday, March 5, 2026 at home against Northern Kentucky. First pitch is at 5 p.m. (ET) and is available via B1G+.

The takeaway

Indiana's slow start and defensive struggles are concerning, but the strong performances from the starting pitchers and the emergence of Ricketts as a power hitter provide some optimism for the team's future. If the Hoosiers can shore up their defense and continue to get solid outings from their starters, they may be able to turn their season around and be competitive in Big 10 play.