CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – No. 1 IU Southeast opened the 2026 River States Conference Tournament with a 6-3 win over No. 6 IU Kokomo.
The Cougars got on the board first, plating a pair of runs in the top of the first. IU Southeast got one back in the bottom of the first after Coulter Hamilton hit a solo home run to left field. Bryson Arnette tied the game two innings later with a solo shot to left.
After getting the Grenadiers on the board in the first inning, Hamilton put the Grenadiers in the lead in the fourth. With two on and one out, Hamilton hit a single through the left side, scoring Kannon Stull and putting the Grenadiers up 3-2.
IU Kokomo tied the game in the top of the sixth after back-to-back hits. The Cougars had a chance to take the lead after loading the bases, but a 6-4 fielder's choice putout ended the frame. One inning later, the Grenadiers went ahead for good.
Joel Johnson drew a walk to open the seventh, then made his way to third after stealing second and advancing on an errant throw. Hamilton tacked on his third RBI of the game after a sacrifice fly to right, putting the Grenadiers ahead 4-3.
Arnette then hit a two-out single, then scored after Gabe Yonto hit one over the right field wall to put IU Southeast up 6-3. The Cougars would load the bases in the ninth, but Jake Gothrup and the Grenadiers' defense kept them off the scoreboard to secure the win.
Weston Harvey got the start on the mound and put out 6.0 innings of work, allowing three runs on seven hits and four strikeouts. Jack Skidmore earned the win after 0.2 innings of scoreless relief, and Gothrup picked up his second save of the season after pitching 2.0 innings and allowing zero runs and striking out four IU Kokomo batters.
Coach Vincent Tornincasa's Grenadiers will be back in action Friday at 3:00 p.m. for game five of the 2026 RSC Tournament. The Grenadiers will take on the loser of No. 3 Midway and No. 4 Shawnee State.
