ELGIN, Ill. – IU South Bend cranked out 21 base hits during Tuesday's doubleheader at Judson, but the Titans were unable to keep pace with the host Eagles, falling by a 4-3 margin in game one, and 15-10 in a shootout during game two.
The Titans (9-22, 3-12 CCAC) nearly rallied from a 4-0 deficit in the opening game as the home side posted a run in the 3rd and three more in the 4th. A two-out double from Kole Miller allowed Owen Benson to drive in the first run of the day for IUSB, cutting the deficit to 4-1 after five innings.
In the top of the 6th, a pair of walks along with a Jake Vanderwoude single loaded the bases for Hunter Bedell, who's two-RBI base hit made it a one-run game. Judson (9-17, 7-5 CCAC) got the next two outs to end the inning, and secured the win in the 7th with the go-ahead run on base.
Vanderwoude finished 2-for-4 in the first game, while Brenden Bell and Miller each hit a double. Relief pitcher Jaidyn Morris threw 1.2 innings, with just one hit allowed.
A high-scoring second game started with five runs in the bottom of the 1st for the Eagles, but IU South Bend would rally back starting with a two-run home run from Miller in the top of the 2nd. The Titans took their first lead of the day in the top of the 3rd, scoring five runs on five hits highlighted by a two-out, two-RBI double for Tony Reyes.
The Titans would be held scoreless over the next four innings, while Judson reclaimed the lead with nine unanswered runs over the middle innings of the game. Donnie Necas and Bedell each had a two-out run-scoring base hit in the top of the 8th as the Titans posted three runs in the frame, but were unable to complete the comeback.
Bedell and Miller each finished with three RBI in game two, as the 5 through 8 spots in the lineup – consisting of Vanderwoude, Necas, Bedell, and Miller - combined to go 9-for-18 with seven RBI and six runs scored.
The Titans now prepare for a three-game series with Trinity Christian, beginning with a matchup on Friday, Apr. 8. First pitch from Palos Heights is set for 4:30 p.m. ET.