Box Score

 IU Columbus jumped out to an early lead, but a decisive fifth inning from Cleary University resulted in a 23-6 setback on a cold and windy Friday afternoon at Grand Park.

The Crimson Pride (3-8) showed offensive spark early, plating three runs in the bottom of the second inning to take a 3-2 advantage. Wyatt Sutton delivered a 2-out RBI single, and Cyrus Robinson followed with a two-run base hit to cap the inning.

IU Columbus added another run in the third when Carson McNulty tripled and later scored on a wild pitch to give the Crimson Pride a 4-3 edge. The offense continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning. Trey VanMeter singled home a run before Blake Borkhardt added an RBI knock, pushing IU Columbus in front 6-5.

Starter Riley Mertl went four innings and recorded five strikeouts before the bullpen was called on in the top of the fifth. Cleary's offense answered in a big way. The Cougars sent 18 batters to the plate and erupted for 15 runs (12 of which came with two outs) on eight hits, taking advantage of walks and timely extra-base hits to build a commanding lead. Cleary added a single run in the sixth and two more in the seventh to secure the victory.

McNulty led IU Columbus with two hits, including a triple, and scored twice. Robinson drove in two runs, while Sutton, VanMeter and Borkhardt each recorded an RBI. The Pride swiped four bases on the afternoon, highlighted by two steals from Cade Jenkins.

Cleary finished with 17 hits and 20 RBIs, while IU Columbus totaled six hits and drew eight walks.