FORT WAYNE, Ind - Indiana University Kokomo's Baseball team found their way back into the win column with a 10-6 win over in-state foe Indiana Tech Wednesday afternoon in Fort Wayne. This split the season series between the Warriors and Cougars, with each team winning on the other's home turf. 

Both squads used a handful of arms in today's game, as IUK utilized six pitchers in the victorious effort, while Indiana Tech toted out five different players in their losing effort. 

After a scoreless first for both squads, the Cougars opened the scoring with a three-run home run to straight away center off the bat of Gavin Smith, scoring Alex Janke and Noah Wolf to take a three run lead. 

Indiana Tech responded in the third with a pair of their own runs, but IUK's bats immediately responded in the next half inning with a huge swing off the bat of Mason Janz, bringing home Gavin Smith to extend the lead to 5-2. 

The Warriors got one back in the bottom half of the fourth inning to cut the lead to two runs. In response, Gavin Smith sent another pitch over the wall, a two-run home run to right this time, bringing Noah Wolf around to score. IUK added another run later in the frame as Kasey Ross scored Mason Janz on a double to right center, extending the Cougar lead to five. 

Indiana Tech cut the lead to two with runs in the sixth and seventh, yet in the top of the eighth, Mason Janz did the unthinkable, straight stealing home to extend the lead to three. The Cougars added another run later in the frame, as Anthony Nino singled home Jacob Medvescek. 

Cougar pitching shut down the last six outs, silencing the Warrior bats to keep the final score at 10-6. 

Pitching Notables:

• Sophomore Koen Berry got the start on the mound for the Cougars, throwing two and a third innings and striking out three while giving up two runs. 
• Logan Greer came on in relief of Berry and gave up one in an inning and two thirds of work. 
• Senior JT Holton made his return to the mound, marking his first appearance since February 13. He tossed a scoreless frame and struck out one, facing the minimum. 
• Asa Christie came on for the sixth inning, striking out a Warrior batter in his single frame. 
• Redshirt-Junior Justin Bultemeier worked two innings in relief, striking out two batters and giving up a run. 
• Ethan Leslie came on for the save in the ninth, striking out the side to slam the door on Indiana Tech. 

The Cougars head to Rio Grande for their final River States Conference series, looking to maintain their momentum and secure their spot in Chillicothe for the conference tournament. 

The Cougars will return to Kokomo Municipal Stadium on April 25 for a doubleheader against Miami Hamilton (OH), as the 2025 senior class will be honored pregame. 

For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.