The IUS baseball team had its first home game on Tuesday, Feb. 28.

The Grenadiers played against the Anderson University Ravens in a doubleheader.

The teams split. The Grenadiers shut out the Ravens the first game, with a score of 5-0.

The second game was not as easy for the Grenadiers.

Brian Crider, sophomore catcher, said he thought there were a lot of bad calls.

“We should have gotten ahead earlier in the game,” Crider said.

Other than the sixth inning, when the Grenadiers were up by one, they trailed behind the Ravens throughout the second game.

Trey Richard, junior infielder, said the team did not play as well as they needed to.

“Our pitching and hitting approach needs some work,” Richard said. “We need to work on the small things, like bunting and throwing strikes.”

Ben Reel, IUS baseball head coach, said the team needs practice.

“We need to work on throwing strikes,” Reel said. “We threw way too many walks and gave way too many free passes.”

The Grenadiers changed pitchers several times throughout the game because Reel said their pitching staff has 18 pitchers. Six to seven guys are starting pitchers and some of the pitchers only throw to one batter.

“We need to get guys in there who can throw strikes,” Reel said. “We fell behind way too many hitters. On the opposite end, they threw strikes to us.”

Richard said the biggest challenge during the game for him is to stay mentally focused.

“I have to be focused and prepared for each pitch and situation,” Richard said.

Crider said his biggest challenge during the game as a catcher is managing the entire field and keeping the game in order.

The Grenadiers lost to the Ravens 6-10 during the second game.

Crider and Richard agreed that, as a team, their strong point is their defense.

Reel said the team’s strength is athleticism.

“We’ve got some guys that are fast and can play defense,” Reel said.

Crider said he prefers to play home games rather than away.

“At home games, you have to protect your rights,” Crider said. “It’s your home-pin, nobody comes and takes it from you.”

Richard said the best part of playing baseball is how the team feels like a family.

There was not a large crowd at the game. However, Reel said, when the weather warms up, there will be a good crowd for the night games.

It is free admission to get into the games.

“People can bring their dogs, boyfriends or girlfriends to the games,” Reel said. “The guys are here to win, regardless if there are fans at the games or not.”

The Grenadiers were 38 and 15 last year. They are 44th in the country.

“We should finish out the year in the top 30,” Reel said.

By TIFFANY ADAMS

Staff

adamstiff@ius.edu