Indiana
Purdue Takes Down Rival Indiana To Extend Big Ten Winning Streak, Highlighting College Baseball Roundup — College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects – Baseball America
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Purdue catcher Connor Caskenette (Photo courtesy of Purdue)
Purdue on Friday continued its spectacular run with a big night at Alexander Field. The Boilermakers defeated Indiana, 7-4, to open the in-state rivalry series in style and take over sole possession of first place in the Big Ten standings.
Purdue (31-15, 12-4) has won 11 straight Big Ten games, a streak that dates to March 31. With its win Friday and Illinois’ loss to Ohio State, Purdue now sits alone atop the conference. Illinois 26-16, 11-5) and Nebraska (29-15, 11-6) are a game behind, with Indiana (25-19-1, 10-6) and Michigan (24-22, 10-6) two games off the pace.
Purdue led Indiana for most of the game Friday. It took a 2-1 lead in the first inning thanks to a two-run double from Connor Caskenette. Righthander Jordan Morales made that score hold up until the sixth inning when the Hoosiers tied the game at 2. But that stalemate didn’t last long, as the Boilermakers scored five runs over the seventh and eighth innings. Indiana made one final push in the ninth, but righthander Aaron Suval snuffed out the rally to close out the 7-4 victory.
Caskenette went 2-for-4 and drove in five runs to lead the offense. Morales, Avery Cook and Suval largely shut down a powerful Indiana lineup, limiting them to four runs on eight hits.
It was a banner night on what is quickly becoming a banner season for the Boilermakers. They on Tuesday became the first Big Ten team this season to reach 30 wins. This is their first 30-win season since 2018, when they went 38-21. Purdue is in first place in the Big Ten in May for the first time since 2012, the last time it won the conference. Between its conference standing, its winning streak and an RPI that has now entered the top 60, Purdue can start thinking about making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2018.
Purdue’s rise has been remarkable and unexpected. The Big Ten’s preseason coaches poll only ranks the top six teams in the conference and Purdue was left off that list coming into 2024. But coach Greg Goff has the Boilermakers operating at the top of the conference. They’re led by Caskenette (.322/.435/.631, 12 HR) and freshman Luke Gaffney (.412/.497/.727, 11 HR), who missed Friday’s game, as well a strong pitching staff that ranks second in the Big Ten in ERA (4.63).
The pieces are all coming together for Purdue. There’s still a long way to go in the season and the Boilermakers have a precarious hold on both first place and a spot in the NCAA Tournament mix. But they’re playing excellent baseball at the right time of the season and now have a chance Saturday to win a key series against their rivals. If they can do that, they’ll carry plenty of momentum into the final two weeks of the season.
Ace Watch
Friday night is for the aces. Here we highlight some of the best pitching performances of the day.
Braden Davis, LHP, Oklahoma: Davis threw seven scoreless innings to lead Oklahoma to an 8-0 victory at Texas Tech. The junior struck out eight batters and scattered two hits and two walks. Davis improved to 6-3, 4.43 with 84 strikeouts and 34 walks in 65 innings this season.
Caleb Granger, RHP, Florida A&M: In a rivalry showdown against Bethune-Cookman, Granger threw seven scoreless innings to lead FAMU to a 4-0 victory. The junior struck out seven batters and worked around six hits and three walks. Granger this season is 8-2, 2.71 with 60 strikeouts and 21 walks in 69.2 innings.
Aiden May, RHP, Oregon State: May threw 6.1 scoreless innings to help Oregon State to a 2-1 victory at Washington State. He struck out seven batters and scattered five hits and two walks, while extending his scoreless innings streak to 16. May is 4-0, 3.13 with 52 strikeouts and 14 walks in 46 innings this season.
Hagen Smith, LHP, Arkansas: Smith struck out 14 batters in six innings to help Arkansas to a 10-3 victory at Kentucky to open a showdown for first place in the SEC. The junior held the Wildcats to one run on three hits and two walks while reaching double-digit strikeouts for the ninth time in 12 starts this season. The All-American improved to 9-0, 1.36 with 125 strikeouts and 25 walks in 66 innings.
Tyler Stromsborg, RHP, Southern California: Stromsborg threw seven scoreless innings to help USC beat Cal, 5-1. He struck out four batters, walked none and worked around three hits in his longest start of the season. Stromsborg is 3-8, 4.85 on the year.
Evan Webster, LHP, Louisville: Webster threw seven scoreless innings to help Louisville to a 3-0 victory at Boston College. He struck out six batters and scattered four hits and a walk. Webster improved to 4-1, 3.17, with 53 strikeouts and 14 walks in 59.2 innings on the season.
Around The Horn
- LSU defeated No. 1 Texas A&M, 6-4, to earn a massive series-opening win in Alex Box Stadium. The Tigers pushed ahead with a four-run sixth inning, as Josh Pearson delivered a big two-run double. Relievers Fidel Ulloa (1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R) and Griffin Herring (2.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER) combined to quiet the Aggies’ offense in the late innings. LSU (30-17, 8-14) got a crucial victory for its postseason push and became just the second team this season to win a series opener against A&M (39-7, 15-7), joining Florida. The Aggies’ only series loss to date was to the Gators and they’ll need to fight back on the road to avoid another.
- Florida also got a crucial win for its postseason push, as it beat No. 3 Tennessee, 4-3, in the nightcap of a doubleheader. The Volunteers won the opener, 6-2. The Gators (24-22, 10-13) beat Volunteers ace Drew Beam thanks to a strong effort from freshmen Liam Peterson (4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K) and Luke McNeillie (1 IP, 0 R, SV). Florida won an SEC game that wasn’t started on the mound by Jac Caglianone for the first time since March 29, which was five series ago. With Caglianone set to pitch Saturday, the Gators have a strong opportunity to end a four-series losing streak.
- Georgia Tech scored 11 runs in the final three innings of its nightcap at No. 4 Clemson to come back for a 14-12 victory. The Yellow Jackets were down to their final out of the game, trailing 12-11, when Mike Becchetti and Vahn Lackey hit back-to-back home runs to take the lead and stun the Tigers. While Clemson (35-10, 16-7) had won the opener, 11-4, it now faces a rubber game Saturday. Georgia Tech (28-16, 12-11) now has a golden opportunity for a key road series win as it tries to push into the NCAA Tournament mix.
- No. 13 NC State earned another impressive road win with an 8-7 victory at No. 5 Florida State. The Wolfpack jumped on Jamie Arnold early, scoring six runs on the lefthander in the first three innings. Alex Makarewicz (3-for-6) and Jacob Cozart both homered to lead NC State. The Wolfpack already own series wins against Duke, Clemson and North Carolina and are now one win away from another one against an ACC power.
- Troy routed No. 22 Louisiana, 16-5, in seven innings to extend its winning streak to seven games. The Trojans pounded out 13 hits and took advantage of six walks and six hit batters to score 16 runs, the most the Ragin’ Cajuns have allowed in a game this season. Louisiana (33-14, 17-5) still leads the Sun Belt, but Troy (33-14, 15-7) has cut the gap to just two games and will have the opportunity to further chip into the lead the rest of the weekend.
Indiana football’s Curt Cignetti raises concerns over costs
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti is speaking out on rising roster costs. Cignetti says players should get paid, but universities can’t handle it.
Josh Hoover is replacing a guy who won the Heisman Trophy while leading Indiana football to a national championship. No pressure there, right?
Being the guy who replaces the guy brings Hoover the distinction as the top college football transfer entering the 2026 season, according to Billy Tucker of ESPN.
The Hoosiers have four players on this 100-player list, three of them in the top 20.
According to the story: “Each player is ranked based on a team’s need and what physical skill set they bring to their new team.”
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Need: “With Fernando Mendoza off to the NFL and backup Alberto Mendoza having transferred to Georgia Tech, the Hoosiers needed another experienced passer capable of sustaining College Football Playoff expectations in Bloomington. Indiana has become one of the portal’s premier destinations for quarterbacks, and Hoover, who transferred from TCU, is next in line after Kurtis Rourke and national champion and Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.”
Value: “Hoover gives (coach) Curt Cignetti extensive experience, skill and production after throwing for 9,629 yards and 71 touchdowns at TCU. He is a confident gunslinger who thrives pushing the ball vertically and operating within RPO concepts. His swagger and aggressiveness should unlock explosive plays through the air, albeit with some volatility. Hoover has 42 career turnovers and only one season without double-digit interceptions.”
No. 11: Nick Marsh, Indiana wide receiver
Need: “Marsh is a proven No. 1 receiver as the Hoosiers transition to a new era at the position after Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt moved on to the NFL. They couldn’t afford to wait on a younger, more projectable receiver. Marsh instead is a ready-made top target and established focal point. He should be the clear primary receiving option.”
Value: “A former ESPN 300 recruit, Marsh led Michigan State in receiving in back-to-back seasons, totaling 100 catches for 1,311 yards and nine touchdowns. At 6-3, 203 pounds, he brings Big Ten-ready size paired with vertical speed, allowing him to win downfield and on contested 50-50 opportunities. He is effective as a deep threat and as a physical receiver who can work through contact. Cignetti saw Marsh’s ability up close. He had 12 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns across two games against Indiana, reinforcing his ability to elevate the passing attack immediately.”
No. 18: Tobi Osunsanmi, Indiana edge rusher
Need: “Adding Osunsanmi, a Kansas State transfer, will help Indiana reload for its national title defense. The Hoosiers lost Mikail Kamara, Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt, creating a clear need along the defensive front. Osunsanmi is an ideal plug-and-play addition. The versatile pass rusher should translate fluidly to defensive coordinator Bryant Haines’ scheme.”
Value: “Osunsanmi suffered a season-ending injury that forced him to miss the second half of last season, but he flashed during the spring, creating havoc up front. He brings a strong combination of speed and power to pressure offensive tackles. His power allows him to play stout at the point of attack, set the edge or walk blockers back into the backfield to collapse the pocket. He also has the quickness and agility to win on loops and stunts, along with a motor that shows up in pursuit outside the box.”
Need: “The Hoosiers lost their two leading rushers from last season’s championship team with running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black, who combined for 2,160 yards, off to the NFL. Though they return two other productive backs in Khobie Martin and Lee Beebe Jr., they also added production in the transfer portal with Richard, a Boston College back with a scheme-fitting skill set. The 5-8 rusher didn’t have many Power 4 offers out of high school, but one of the first programs to offer him was James Madison when Cignetti was at the helm.”
Value: “Richard had a very productive season in 2025 with 749 yards on the ground. He has a compact build that helps him play with a low center of gravity and the ability to break tackles. His running style is patient as he has a good feel to cut off the backside of blocks. He runs behind his pads and finishes runs with good demeanor. As a receiver out of the backfield, he also provides a reliable checkdown option. Cignetti noted that he liked what Richard did this spring as he will have the opportunity to be impactful and a reliable option at running back for an Indiana team that is looking to repeat.”
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Two future Boilermakers are taking the floor and will go head-to-head during Indiana All-Star Week. 2026 signee Luke Ertel and 2027 commit Isaiah Hill are battling it out on Wednesday, June 3, as the Indiana All-Stars will play the Indiana Junior All-Stars.
Wednesday will be the third time Ertel and Hill have played against each other this season. During the IHSAA basketball season, Ertel’s Mt. Vernon team took on Hill’s Pike squad twice.
Hill led the Red Devils to an 84-81 overtime victory during the regular season. In the Regional of the Class 4A IHSAA Basketball Tournament, Ertel guided Mt. Vernon to a 57-54 overtime victory. The Marauders went on to win the state championship.
Who will win the third and decisive battle between the future Boilermakers on Wednesday? Here’s the information necessary to watch the game.
How to watch the Indiana All-Star Game
- What — Indiana Junior All-Stars vs. Indiana All-Stars
- When — Wednesday, June 3, 2026
- Where — Mt. Vernon High School in Fortville, Ind.
- Tipoff time — 8 p.m. ET (approx.)
- Ticket price — $15
- Stream — ISC Indiana Sports Network YouTube Channel
Hill participated in Indiana-Kentucky Jr. All-Star Game
Wednesday night’s Junior-Senior All-Star Game will be the second time Hill has competed during Indiana All-Star Week. The Pike star and five-star center also played in Sunday’s Indiana-Kentucky Junior All-Star Game.
Hill put together a solid performance, scoring 15 points, grabbing a team-high seven rebounds and recording three blocks. His efforts helped lead Indiana to a 109-99 victory over Kentucky.
Ertel and the Indiana All-Stars have not yet played during Indiana All-Star Week, with their first game scheduled for Wednesday against the Junior All-Stars. Then, to close out the week, Ertel will participate in the Indiana-Kentucky All-Star Series, with games being played in Lexington and Indianapolis.
Ertel, Hill highly rated recruits in respective classes
There’s already plenty of hype surrounding Ertel and Hill, both players who are highly-ranked recruits in their respective classes.
Ertel is the top-ranked player from Indiana in the 2026 recruiting class and is considered a top-50 prospect by 247Sports. He was named Indiana Mr. Basketball, averaging 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game in his senior season at Mt. Vernon.
Hill is a year younger, but became the highest-ranked recruit ever to commit to play at Purdue. The 2027 product was a star at Pike High School during his junior season, averaging 12.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game. He is a five-star prospect and ranked as the No. 10 player in the class, per ESPN.
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GASTON, Ind. (WKRC) – An Indiana man was accused of sexually assaulting a young homeless woman in a barn.
According to WXIN, 34-year-old Dale E. Bosworth was arrested after he allegedly sexually assaulted a homeless 18-year-old woman in a barn after the two connected through social media.
WXIN reported that Bosworth picked up the woman on May 24 while visiting Kokomo, Indiana, and brought her back to his home after seeing a Facebook post in which she said she had no money and nowhere to stay.
Court documents obtained and reviewed by WXIN state that Bosworth and his wife picked up the woman in a truck around 10 p.m. and drove her to their home. The woman stayed the night and was later offered $100 to perform work in a barn in Delaware County.
According to WXIN, Bosworth drove the woman to a friend’s barn in Gaston, Indiana. While the two were alone, Bosworth allegedly asked if she wanted to “fool around.” The woman told law enforcement she did not respond to the question. Bosworth then allegedly began rubbing her back and unzipped his overalls.
WXIN reported that Bosworth is accused of sexually assaulting the woman until he heard a noise near the barn. He later allegedly told his friend that the woman was refusing to work and that he needed to take her back to his home.
During the drive back to Marion, Indiana, the woman used the “Texty” app to contact Grant County 911 and reported that she had been raped, according to WXIN.
Authorities in Grant County then contacted the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies later located and stopped Bosworth’s vehicle, per the report.
While being questioned by investigators, Bosworth reportedly admitted that the woman had stayed at his home. Court documents reviewed by WXIN state that he spent “well over 20 minutes” explaining how he came to be alone with the alleged victim while denying any sexual contact.
When asked whether his DNA would be found on the woman’s body, Bosworth allegedly admitted to certain sexual acts. According to WXIN, he told investigators that the woman “did not say yes or no” when he asked her to undress and engage in sexual intercourse, but claimed she “looked at him” when he asked.
Authorities said Bosworth later admitted to portions of the assault after initially providing false statements and reportedly told investigators that “cops freak him out,” according to the report.
Bosworth was arrested and charged with the following, per WXIN:
According to WXIN, investigators determined that Bosworth knowingly and intentionally caused the woman to submit to sexual conduct, which constitutes rape under Indiana law.
He is being held without bond at the Delaware County Jail, WXIN reported.
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