Thomas, Rivera Roll Past Knights

Saturday, February 21

Jacksonville, Fla.

4 p.m.

Indiana University

2-4

UCF

4-2

UCF

Indiana

2/21/2026 7:30:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Watch: Press Conference

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Behind a pair of fantastic outings from sophomore southpaw Brayton Thomas (W, 1-0) and graduate student right-handed pitcher Regan Rivera (SV, 1), the Indiana Baseball team (2-4, 0-0 B1G) rolled to a 6-1 victory over UCF on Saturday (Feb. 21) evening at VyStar Ballpark. The two pitchers combined to throw all nine innings and allowed just one run on three hits.

After going deep into the bullpen yesterday to try and beat No. 2 LSU, IU needed a big start from the young lefty on Saturday in Jacksonville. He answered the bell by delivering a career performance against a talented UCF lineup. Thomas worked around trouble but allowed just one run on one hit. He matched a career high with four strikeouts.

Rivera entered in relief with a pair of runners on base in the sixth inning. He produced his best outing in an IU uniform with four scoreless frames and two punchouts. He helped turn a double play and chased down a slow-rolling ground ball to throw out a runner at first base. Rivera picked up the save after taking down the final 12 outs of the ballgame. His performance helped head coach Jeff Mercer save some important arms for tomorrow's (Feb. 22) weekend finale against Notre Dame.

Even without sophomore third baseman Will Moore in the lineup, the top of IU's order produced in clutch situations. Sophomore outfielder Hogan Denny has mashed the ball in the early part of the season and provided his first three-hit day of the young campaign. Sophomore shortstop Cooper Malamazian had three RBIs and a pair of base knocks. Redshirt junior outfielder Ayden Crouse set the tone early with a single after a 12-pitch at-bat to begin the game.

Freshman second baseman Landen Fry had an RBI single in the first inning as he continues his run in the lineup for the Hoosiers. Crouse had a multi-hit game while redshirt freshman designated hitter Brayden Ricketts added a double in the seventh inning. Freshman third baseman Mateo Noto made his college debut in a start at the hot corner.

IU will look to finish out the weekend strong on Sunday (Feb. 22) morning against Notre Dame. Senior right-handed pitcher Jackson Bergman will get the ball for his second start of the year. This is the first time these two teams will play since 2018. First pitch is set for 11 a.m. on D1Baseball.com.

Scoring Recap
Bottom First
Ayden Crouse set the tone in the first inning as IU got off to an early offensive start. His 12-pitch at-bat single and a stolen base allowed Hogan Denny to drive him in before the first out of the inning. Landen Fry added an RBI single as the Hoosiers opened up an early 2-0 lead.
Indiana 2, UCF 0

Bottom Third
Cooper Malamazian delivered a big RBI single in the third inning.
Indiana 3, UCF 0

Bottom Fifth
The Hoosiers added insurance in the fifth. Crouse scored after the first baseman bobbled a ground ball. Malamazian put up a fifth run with another RBI single.
Indiana 5, UCF 0

Top Sixth
UCF finally got on the board with an RBI single up the middle from Javier Crespo.
Indiana 5, UCF 1

Bottom Seventh
Malamazian provided his third RBI of the night on a sacrifice fly to right field.
Indiana 6, UCF 1

Top Hoosier Performers
#24 Rivera, Reagan
4.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 K

#15 Malamazian, Cooper
2-2, BB, 3 RBI

#2 Denny, Hogan
3-4, 3 R, RBI

Inside the Box Score
• IU's pitching staff allowed a season low in hits (3) and runs (1).
• The Hoosiers had three players with multi-hit games.
• IU stole three bases, all by different players.
• for the first time all season, IU made zero errors in the field.

Notes to Know
• IU allowed just three hits in the entire ballgame. It's the first time its pitching staff has allowed three-or-fewer hits in a contest since a Friday win at Michigan in 2025. The Hoosiers gave up just one run and committed zero errors, playing one of their cleanest games in recent memory.

• Sophomore left-handed pitcher Brayton Thomas had a career day when IU's pitching staff needed it most. The southpaw worked a career high in innings pitched (5.0) and total pitches (76). He also matched his collegiate best with four strikeouts. The win on Saturday night was the first of his career.

• Sophomore outfielder Hogan Denny produced the third three-hit game of his young career. Denny has hit safely in five-straight games and has recorded three multi-hit days on the week. He his hitting .450 on the season with seven RBIs, five walks, two stolen bases, two hit-by-pitches and two home runs.

Up Next
IU has a chance to end the weekend on an emphatic note. The Hoosiers will meet Notre Dame in a Sunday (Feb. 22) matinee in Jacksonville. The game will be streamed on D1Baseball.com and will be carried on the Indiana Sports Radio Network via IUHoosiers.com/Audio.