NEW ALBANY, Ind. - The Indiana University Southeast baseball team earned two wins over Mid-Continent University on Tuesday evening (4/6) in New Albany. The Grenadiers defeated the visiting Cougars of Mid-Continent 16-11 in the first game of the doubleheader in seven innings. In the second game of Tuesday's double dip, the Grenadiers pulled out a 7-6 win over Mid-Continent in eight innings in dramatic fashion.

The Grenadiers trailed to Mid-Continent 6-4 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning of the second game. Grenadier junior Jordan Pass looked at four straight balls and was walked. IU Southeast senior Kyle Lenn went to the plate as the tying run for the Grenadiers. On the first pitch of the at-bat, Lenn belted his 12^th home run of the year over the left field fence to tie the game and force extra innings.

The game entered extra innings tied at 6-6. After the Grenadier defense forced three consecutive outs for Mid-Continent, IU Southeast went to bat in the bottom of the eighth inning with a chance to end the game with one run. IU Southeast senior Jeff Klump led off the inning by singling to center field. Junior Nick Crady then laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Klump to second base. Klump advanced to third base on a passed ball by Mid-Continent's catcher.

IU Southeast Hitting Coach Rob Brockman then decided to pinch hit freshman Justin Hurst for Van Fowler with one out in the inning. Hurst singled up the middle allowing Klump to score the game winning run for the Grenadiers in the bottom of the eighth inning.

"Jordan Pass did a heck of a job at being patient at the plate," said Lenn. He looked at four straight balls. He knew that we needed a couple of runs. I have to give credit to him for getting the inning going by getting on base."

"At this level of baseball, you know that after a pitcher throws four straight balls that you are going to get something down the middle. I knew from the look in his eyes that he was going to try to bring one down the plate to get ahead in the count," said Lenn. "I told myself that if I seen that pitch that was middle-in that I was going to drive it. Sure enough I was able to do that and it went."

Hurst earned some valuable experience by driving in the winning run for IU Southeast during the second game against Mid-Continent. "I was very excited," said Hurst. "I was looking for a first-pitch fast ball and was able to drive it up the middle to help my team win tonight. I felt like I was ready for this moment and I am glad I was able to help my team when I got the opportunity."

IU Southeast junior Steward Dill (4-1) got the win for the Grenadiers in game one to earn his fourth win of the season. Grenadier freshman Joey Harness (3-2) earned his third win of the season in game two against Mid-Continent.

Grenadier Head Coach Ben Reel could be any more proud of his seniors, "Ever since I have been here at IU Southeast, our seniors have rose to the occasion. Today was another prime example of our seniors showing up in the clutch."

"Lenn hits the bomb to tie the game in the seventh. Klump is leading the team in batting average, and he gets the big hit in the bottom of the eighth inning to begin the rally to win the game. It's these seniors showing up when the team needs them that makes this group so special," said Reel.

Reel also believes that his players play with certain skills that just can't be taught. "Instinctive and fearless are two words that probably best describe our guys. To be a champion, you have to have attack in your eyes. It's something you can't always teach. Coach Brockman talks about that every day with our hitters and it is paying off for us in big ways."

IU Southeast is currently 25-11 overall and is off to one of the most notable starts in school history. The Grenadiers currently boast a league-best 10-2 overall record in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC). The Grenadiers are currently in sole possession of first place in the conference regular-season standings. Brescia University is currently two games back of the Grenadiers in second place in the conference standings.

With today's wins, the IU Southeast baseball program is now and undefeated 20-0 at home this season at the Koetter Sports Baseball Complex. The Grenadiers are also 2-0 overall under the lights in evening games this season.

Next up for the IU Southeast baseball team is a road trip to Pippa Passes, Ky. The Grenadiers will travel to Alice Lloyd College on Friday (4/9) and Saturday (4/10) for its weekend conference series with the Eagles.

Friday's doubleheader with Alice Lloyd will begin at 2 p.m. The first pitch for Saturday's doubleheader is set for 12 p.m.

The Grenadiers will return home next Wednesday (4/14) for a single game with Bellarmine University at 6 p.m.

IU Southeast will premier its new field lighting prior to the game with a ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Check back to IUSAthletics.com soon for more information about the festivities surrounding next week's ceremony.