Hoosiers Fall in Season Opener

Friday, February 14

Surprise, Ariz.

7:00 PM

Indiana University

0-1

UNLV

1-0

Indiana

UNLV

2/14/2025 11:00:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

SURPRISE, Ariz. – Even with an advantage in the hit column, the Indiana Baseball team (0-1) couldn't overcome a tough first inning in Friday's (Feb. 14) season opener against UNLV. The Hoosiers managed nine hits but finished just 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

Redshirt senior pitcher Gavin Seebold (L, 0-1) got off to a rocky start, conceding a grand slam before recording a single out. He settled in after that and finished the night with three strikeouts. He didn't allow a hit in the ensuing three innings he pitched.

Graduate student pitcher Drew Buhr picked up where he left off in 2024, spinning four scoreless relief innings with five strikeouts. The Austin, Indiana scattered just two hits and didn't give up a walk against the 14 batters he faced. Dating back to last year, Buhr has made five-straight appearances of at least three innings.

Junior outfielder Devin Taylor produced a multi-hit day with a pair of singles. Redshirt sophomore outfielder Korbyn Dickerson made his IU debut and provided the only extra-base hit of the day – a ninth-inning double to left field. Seven of IU's nine starters recorded a hit.

Freshman first baseman Jake Hanley made his first career collegiate start and recorded his first career hit. Fellow freshman, and right fielder, Hogan Denny made his first career collegiate start as well. Hanley and Denny are the sixth and seventh true freshmen to start on opening day under head coach Jeff Mercer (since 2019).

The Hoosiers left eight runners on base. They stranded the bases loaded in the fourth inning and scored just one run after the opening two batters reached based. A base running mistake cost IU a chance at a multi-run inning in the sixth. Dickerson led the ninth off with a double but IU struck out in order following that to end the game.

IU's weekend in Arizona continues tomorrow (Sat, Feb. 15) against Xavier. First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. ET with both sides looking for their first win of the season. Flo College will carry the broadcast and graduate student pitcher Cole Gilley will make his IU debut on the mound.

Scoring Recap
Bottom First
After three-consecutive singles, UNLV's cleanup hitter – Dean Toigo – unleashed a grand slam over the right field wall. UNLV took the lead for good before IU recorded a single out. The Rebels wouldn't score the rest of the game.
UNLV 4, Indiana 0

Top Fourth
Tyler Cerny led the inning off with a bunt single before Jasen Oliver laced a hit down the line to put two runners on. Both runners were advanced on a Jake Stadler fly out before Joey Brenczewski drove in the first run of the season. His RBI-single put the Hoosiers on the board for the first time in 2025.
UNLV 4, Indiana 1

Bottom Sixth
Stadler led the inning off with a single. He advanced to third on a throwing error that soared into the bleachers. He eventually came around to score on an additional error. With Korbyn Dickerson on first base with a walk, UNLV tried to throw over but the ball went wide. Stadler scored but Dickerson was ultimately thrown out at third base on the same play.
UNLV 4, Indiana 2

Top Hoosier Performers
#24 Buhr, Drew
4.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 K

#20 Dickerson, Korbyn
2-3, 1 BB

#23 Brenczewski, Joey
1-3, 1 RBI

Notes to Know
• Indiana dropped its sixth-consecutive season opener. The Hoosiers last won on Opening Day in head coach Jeff Mercer's first season (2019). However, IU has managed to win at least one game on the first weekend of the season in each of the last six seasons.

• Senior third baseman Josh Pyne made his fourth-straight start on Opening Day at third base. He's the fifth IU player – since 2014 – to start four-consecutive contests on the team's opening day. Before Pyne, former shortstop Jeremy Houston (2017-20) was the last to do it.

• IU started two true freshman position players for the third time under Mercer (2021, 2022 and 2025). First baseman Jake Hanley and right fielder Hogan Denny are the sixth and seventh true freshmen since 2019 to make the Opening Day starting lineup.

• Junior outfielder Devin Taylor recorded the 48th multi-hit game of his career. He had 17 as a freshman in 2023 and responded with 30 last season. He and redshirt sophomore center fielder Korbyn Dickerson each had a pair of hits in Friday's contest.

• Graduate student Drew Buhr spun four scoreless innings on Friday evening. It was the fourth time in his last 10 outings – dating back to 2024 – that he's gone at least four innings while conceding zero runs.

Up Next
IU returns to action on Saturday evening against familiar foe, Xavier. The two sides will meet for the 35th time in program history. Saturday's contest will have a first pitch of 7:00 p.m. ET on Flo College. The game can also be heard on the Indiana Sports Radio Network via IUHoosiers.com/Audio.