Rapid Reaction: Indiana stomps Northwestern 9-2 at Wrigley Field

Northwestern baseball’s cherished tradition of playing at Wrigley Field filled the dugout and the stands with joy and humility. But it did not deliver a win this year, as Indiana (21-25, 7-15 B1G) used two offensive spurts and stifling pitching to outlast the Wildcats (17-25-1, 5-17 B1G) 9-2 on Friday night. No Place Like It 🤩 pic.

twitter. com/bUjUhyUDfv — Northwestern Baseball (@NUCatsBaseball) May 1, 2026 The fourth annual ‘Cats Classic unfolded under a fading sunset on a brisk 43-degree evening. The chilly weather did not deter fans from making the trip to Wrigleyville.

A flurry of spectators dressed in purple sweaters and beanies lined the third-base side, while the Hoosiers countered with supporters of their own bearing red attire along the first-base line. Ryan Weaver got the start for Northwestern, pitching five innings where he ceded six hits and five runs while striking out six. Sam Hliboki pitched two scoreless innings in relief.

Meanwhile, Indiana’s starter Tony Neubeck pitched a six-inning shutout, walking four ‘Cats while striking out seven. The Hoosiers’ offense jumped on Weaver early. Indiana’s Hogan Denny knocked a leadoff double in the top of the first before Jake Hanley singled to right field, where Jackson Freeman played the ball cleanly to hold Denny at third.