March 28, 2004
DES MOINES, IA – After winning a battle with Mother Nature, the Hawkeyes and Gophers were able to finish their suspended game from Saturday. The Gophers offense continued its hot streak and added eight runs in the final four innings to pound Iowa 19-7 at the I-Cubs/Hawkeye Classic.
Minnesota’s offense exploded right from the opening pitch as they scored eight runs in the first three innings. Iowa starter Nathan Johnson lasted only two innings in the contest.
In the first inning, Minnesota catcher Jake Elder hit a three RBI double to put the Gophers on top 3-0. After plating a run in the second, Minnesota added four runs on three extra base hits in the third, including an RBI triple by center fielder Tony Leseman.
After a one-hour rain delay in the fourth inning, the Hawkeyes resumed play with one out and the bases loaded. Iowa scored four runs in the inning off Minnesota reliever Josh Krogman to cut the Gopher lead to 8-5.
First baseman Cole Grandfield scored the first run on a Krogman wild pitch and the righthander walked in Nate Yoho. Freshman Jason White notched the Hawkeyes first hit of the game on a bunt single that plated two runs.
Minnesota answered Iowa’s rally with three runs in the fifth inning off Iowa reliever Brent Jackson to put Minnesota on top 11-5.
Jesse Brownell blasted a long ball off the Wells Fargo sign above the left field skyboxes to lead off the bottom of the fifth. L.J. Mims plated Iowa’s second run on a sacrifice that knocked in Granfield.
After suspending play for the night, the game resumed on Sunday afternoon. Minnesota’s bats started right where they left off. The Gophers added eight runs in the final four frames. Shortstop Matt Fornasiere hit a grand slam in the eighth inning to put an exclamation point on the win.