LEBANON, Ill.— The University of Indianapolis baseball team claimed a hard-fought 13-11 victory over McKendree on Sunday. Indianapolis broke the game open with a seven-run eighth inning, overcoming McKendree's late rally. Sunday's victory secured the series 3-1 in favor of the Hounds.

INS & OUTS
UIndy overcame an early deficit to secure a 13-11 victory over McKendree. McKendree took a 2-0 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a passed ball and an RBI single by Peyton Bittle. McKendree extended its lead to 3-0 in the third inning with an RBI single from Gavin Arseneau.

Indianapolis responded in the fourth inning, narrowing the gap with two runs. Luke Smock scored on a fielder's choice, and pinch runner Bret Perry crossed the plate on a wild pitch, cutting McKendree's lead to 3-2 after four innings.

The fifth inning saw Solen Munson launch a solo home run to right field, followed by Chase Mason's double and Gavin Duran's RBI double, which put Indianapolis ahead 4-3.

In the seventh inning, the Greyhounds added two more runs. Chase Mason scored on a bunt single RBI by Perry, and Duran scored on a groundout, extending the lead to 6-3.

A pivotal eighth inning saw Indianapolis explode for seven runs. Austin Bode and Munson reached on errors before scoring on a wild pitch and an RBI single by Duran. Smock hit a two-run homer, and Garrett Rusch capped the inning with a three-run home run, giving the Greyhounds a commanding 13-3 lead.

McKendree countered with a seven-run bottom of the eighth, highlighted by a two-run homer by Noah Shuman and a three-run shot by Max Meuli. Peyton Bittle's two-RBI double brought McKendree closer, but the Greyhounds maintained a 13-10 advantage.

In the ninth inning, McKendree added a sacrifice fly to score one more run, but Indianapolis held on to win 13-11.

Ayden Tran delivered a solid performance for Indianapolis, pitching 6 innings and allowing 3 earned runs on 5 hits while striking out 7 batters. Tran managed to maintain a WHIP of 1.33 and secured a win to bring his record to 1-1. Drake Downing closed the game with 1 1/3 innings, allowing 1 earned run on 1 hit and earning a save.

Garrett Rusch contributed significantly, hitting a home run and driving in three runs. Munson also made an impact with a home run, scoring twice and adding an RBI. Smock showcased his power with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Tran delivered a strong pitching performance, striking out seven over six innings while allowing three earned runs.

UP NEXT
UIndy will travel to Bolivar, Mo. to face the Southwest Baptist Bearcats on March 13 at 6 p.m. ET.