Rutgers baseball kicked off the 2025 Big Ten Tournament with an impressive victory, defeating the No. 6 seed Indiana by a score of 5-2 at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska. The Scarlet Knights, sporting a record of 29-27, showcased their power at the plate with three home runs, while their pitching staff shined, led by freshman Landon Mack.
Mack delivered a stellar performance on the mound, pitching six innings of scoreless ball. He allowed just five hits, struck out six batters, and issued no walks, all while pitching on only four days’ rest. Mack expressed his gratitude for the team’s support, emphasizing the motivation derived from their collective effort. “I love being part of this team and the culture that we have,” he remarked, highlighting the significance of representing his home state.
The scoring for Rutgers began in the fourth inning when true freshman Jack Sweeney, filling in for injured centerfielder Peyton Bonds, hit a solo homer on his first pitch and gave the Scarlet Knights a 1-0 lead. Sweeney’s achievement was celebrated by his teammates, especially Ty Doucette, who commended the young player’s contribution.
Doucelette himself added to the momentum with a solo home run in the sixth inning, increasing the lead to 2-0. In the seventh, RJ Johnson Jr. contributed with a single that brought in an additional run, followed by a two-run home run from Brennan Hyde, which solidified Rutgers’ control over the game at 5-0.
Freshman Nolan Peel took over pitching duties after Mack, successfully navigating scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth. Despite a late two-run home run from Indiana in the ninth inning that trimmed the lead, Rutgers managed to secure the win with relief from Quinn Berglin, who capped off the game with a strikeout followed by a groundout.
Looking ahead, Rutgers will face the No. 3 seed Iowa on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. A victory would propel the Scarlet Knights into the semifinals of the tournament, while a loss would mean their exit.
This victory marks an encouraging start to their tournament journey, showcasing the potential and resilience of the Rutgers baseball team. The combination of strong pitching and clutch hitting highlights a promising future as they continue their pursuit of a championship.