Hoosier State of Mind
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IU Softball: Looking for first win of season against Arizona State

By Eric Brown

ABERDEEN, MD - AUGUST 14: Chinese softball coach Zhang Xinyan of Shanghai collects balls as Zhang participates in a coaching education program at Ripken Baseball Academy August 14, 2007 in Aberdeen, Maryland. Twelve Chinese baseball and softball coaches took part in a five-week program to learn coaching skills from baseball hall of famer Cal Ripken Jr., who has been named as a special sports envoy of the U.S. State Department, and other Major League Baseball players. The coaches will use what they have learned about baseball in the U.S. to teach young players in their home country. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
ABERDEEN, MD - AUGUST 14: Chinese softball coach Zhang Xinyan of Shanghai collects balls as Zhang participates in a coaching education program at Ripken Baseball Academy August 14, 2007 in Aberdeen, Maryland. Twelve Chinese baseball and softball coaches took part in a five-week program to learn coaching skills from baseball hall of famer Cal Ripken Jr., who has been named as a special sports envoy of the U.S. State Department, and other Major League Baseball players. The coaches will use what they have learned about baseball in the U.S. to teach young players in their home country. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) /
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Through four of the 2018 season, the Hoosiers have yet to secure a win. They’ll be looking for their first victory against Arizona State on Sunday afternoon.

Indiana softball looked to come into the 2018 season faring better than they did last year, so far through four games they have not looked much better. In four games at the Kajikawa Classic, which is a tournament held by Arizona State annually, they have yet to come away with a victory. On day one they lost to Oregon State, and Boise State, during day two of play they lost to San Jose State and Northwestern. Sunday afternoon the Hoosiers will take on host Arizona State hoping to not finish the tournament 0-5.

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One of the main problems through the first four games has been the pitching for Indiana. Three pitchers have seen the mound, with Tara Trainer starting two of those games. In her three appearances so far, Trainer has amassed a 4.10 ERA in 13.2 IP, while striking out 12 batters. Teammate Josie Wood has started two games as well, although not with much better results. In only 6.2 IP, Wood has given up seven total runs, while only striking out nine batters.

Despite the pitching struggles, the bats are alive and well for the Hoosiers, especially infielder Taylor Uden, who has two homers in the first four games. Sophomore utility player Gabbi Jenkins has a .400 average and will look to keep that up against the red-hot Sun Devils.

After losing their first game of the season against Tennessee, Arizona State has reeled off three straight victories over Purdue, Nebraska, and Notre Dame. In each game, the offense was prevalent as they scored at least six runs in each of the contests. Coming off a run-rule victory over Notre Dame, the 23rd ranked Sun Devils look for their fourth straight win.

Next: IU Basketball: Saturday look around the Big Ten

If Indiana doesn’t come away with a victory over Arizona State, they could find themselves looking up for the rest of the season. An 0-5 record is no way to start a season, hopefully they can get the win on Sunday afternoon.

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