The University of Southern Indiana, currently ranked 14th, lost Tuesday night, 3-0, to the University of Evansville in the Battle at the Braun.
An error in the first inning by 2nd baseman Ben Griggs allowed the Aces to score 3 runs giving them the lead they would hold throughout the game.
“We talked about it early yesterday,” head coach Tracy Archuleta said. “Coming in with some relaxed intensity, we had an error there in the first inning. After that though, they settled down.”
Pitcher Josh Schultze settled into a groove after the first inning and shut the Aces down aside from the three runs allowed early on.
“He was able to establish his fastball, which he does really well,” Archuleta said. “Then he was able to use his changeup and his curveball to keep them off balance. “
Although the Aces pitchers were able to shut the Eagles down, head coach Wes Carroll said the Eagles pitching posed equally difficult problems. “Josh Schultze settled down and played a great game, he kept us off balance.”
The Eagles had a couple of opportunities to make a comeback in the 5th and 8th innings but ended up leaving runners on base. “We just didn’t put a lot of pressure on them, that’s been the key,” Archuleta said. “They have a good club and do some good things.”
Archuleta said the Eagles played no different against the Aces than any other team even though they only see them once a year, “We have to play to our strengths,” Archuleta said. “We had a misstep there in the first inning; The only difference is they run a little bit better 1-9, we just have to upkeep to the speed on bases.”
The overall record of Battle at the Braun is in favor of the Aces at 31-18 with the Eagles having lost the last 7 matchups, “It’s great for our community,” Carroll said. “It’s just good college baseball and that’s what the fans saw tonight.”
The Eagles will play again against Kentucky Wesleyan in a two game series on April 5-6 at home. They currently have a record of 14-6. The first pitch will be thrown at 6:00 p.m.
