Iowa is in the hunt in the Big Ten baseball race and pitching is the biggest factor. The Hawkeyes lead the league in earned run average at two-point-95 and opponents are batting just .201. Iowa’s top two starters are back from injury and coach Rick Heller says that has also set up the bullpen.

The pitching staff struggled with walks in non-conference play. Heller says that has been solved in the league race.

Iowa beat Western Illinois 11-1 on Tuesday night to move to 24-13 overall. Heller says the Hawkeyes have improved in a number of areas.

The Hawkeyes are tied for fourth in the Big Ten at 8-4 and just a game behind league leading Rutgers in the loss column. They open a conference series Friday night at Nebraska.