WHITING, Ind. – A five-run rally in the second inning was enough for IU South Bend to take the season series over the Crimson Wave, as the Titans took an 8-4 road win over Calumet on Tuesday afternoon.

Starting pitcher Alex Babbitt earned his first win of the year, recording a quality start with two runs allowed over 6.2 innings of work. Cal Whitaker closed out the win with a perfect 9th inning in relief.

The Titans (12-24, 6-14 CCAC) jumped out to a 5-0 lead after taking advantage of a walk, error, and a hit batter, leading to Owen Benson's bases-loaded single giving IUSB the early lead. Donnie Necas then drew a walk to bring home the second run of the inning. Nolan Unger beat out a potential double play to keep the inning alive and drive in two more runs, then scored on Tony Reyes' two-out single.

Unger and Reyes both drove in two more runs in the top of the 4th, increasing the Titans' lead to 7-0. Calumet (11-26, 6-15 CCAC) got on the board with single runs in the 5th and 7th, but IU South Bend would respond in the top of the 8th as Hunter Bedell singled to left, driving home Jake Vanderwoude after his leadoff base hit.

Unger led the Titans with three RBI in the win, and scored twice despite no base hits in the game. Reyes went 2-for-5 at the plate, with a double and a pair of runs driven in.

The Titans will now prepare for a weekend series with Roosevelt, beginning on Friday, April 22 at Ozinga Field in Crestwood, Ill. IUSB returns home for a doubleheader with the Lakers on Saturday, April 23, with first pitch scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Rex Weade Stadium.