GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – The UIndy baseball team took the diamond for the first time Saturday, kicking off 2021 at Tusculum University. The three-game series started with a 12-5 Tusculum win behind a strong outing from its starting pitcher.
 
The Pioneers gave the ball to veteran hurler Gunner Becker, who had a strong start to open his senior season. Becker tossed seven scoreless innings, giving up just five hits and striking out eight.
 
UIndy finally broke the seal in the top of the eighth. Hunter Waning and Will Smithey delivered consecutive two-out doubles to fuel a three-run frame.
 
Two more UIndy runs crossed in the ninth. Sophomore Ty Williams led off with a double and came around on an infield single from shortstop Alex Vela, and Vela later scored on a base knock from junior Trey Smith.
 
Senior Corey Bates took the loss on the mound, giving up five earned runs in 5 2/3 innings. He also struck out six and walked a pair.
 
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The series concludes with a doubleheader on Sunday starting at noon ET.