Indiana delivered one of its most complete performances of the season, erupting for nine runs in the fifth inning to defeat South Florida 11-1, and cap another strong weekend of play. Indiana is now 11-4 after going 4-1 at the USF Tournament.
Through the first two innings, both teams struggled to find rhythm offensively. Indiana starter Taylor Hess worked 2.1 Innings, allowing just one run on two hits while walking one and striking one. Hess navigated early traffic and kept the bulls from building momentum.
Indiana broke through in the top of the third inning. The Hoosiers strung together quality at-bats to plate two runs and take a 2-0 lead. South Florida answered in the bottom half of the inning, trimming the deficit to 2-1 after capitalizing on one of Indiana’s two defensive miscues.
The Hoosiers sent a parade of hitters to the plate and erupted for nine runs in the frame, turning the contest into a runaway. Timely extra-base hits fueled the rally, highlighted by a massive performance from freshman Josie Bird.
Josie Bird put together a career day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a career-high five RBIs. Bird was at the center of Indiana’s decisive fifth inning, driving in key runs as the Hoosiers blew the game open.
Bird was one of three Hoosiers to record a double in the afternoon, joined by Avery Parker and Alex Cooper. Indiana consistently barreled up pitches and found gaps, forcing South Florida to play from behind throughout the later innings.
Leadoff hitter Aly VanBrandt continued her torrid pace at the top of the order, going 2-for-3 with an RBI and setting the table repeatedly. Madalyn Strader added a 2-for-3 performance, while Cooper and Parker each contributed doubles and RBIs of their own. Cassidy Kettleman chipped in with an RBI as Indiana showcased production from nearly every spot in the lineup.
Indiana will return to action Friday, travelling to face Charleston Southern and Elon as the Hoosiers look to continue their early-season surge.
