May 6, 2005
IOWA CITY – The University of Iowa baseball team fell in a one-run pitcher’s dual with Minnesota, 3-2, Friday night at Banks Field. Iowa falls to 21-23, 12-9 in the Big Ten, while Minnesota is 24-20, 13-8 in the conference.
Luke O’Loughlin threw seven and 1/3 innings for Iowa, scattering seven hits and striking out three while allowing a trio of runs. Unfortunately for Iowa, Minnesota’s Matt Loberg was a shade better, throwing seven innings while giving up just a pair of runs.
Minnesota struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the second on a pair of singles. Luke MacLean hit a two-out single, then stole second after five pick-off attempts and a pitchout. Tony Leseman brought MacLean around to score with a sharp single to left.
Freshman Dusty Napoleon tied things up by leading off the fifth with a monster solo shot over the right-centerfield fence. The home run was Napoleon’s first in the Black and Gold.
The Gophers came back in the top of the sixth with a two-out rally. After issuing a leadoff walk, O’Loughlin retired the next two batters before another walk, a wild pitch and passed ball put runners at second and third. Jake Elder then squirted a ground ball through the left side to score two and take a 3-1 lead.
The Hawkeyes used the long ball again in the bottom of the sixth, with Nate Yoho blasting a two-out solo homer over the right-centerfield fence to cut the lead to 3-2. The home run was the senior’s fifth of the year, tying him with Andy Cox for the team lead.
Iowa got the tying run to third against Minnesota closer John Gaub when Yoho drew a two-out walk, stole second and advanced to third when the catcher’s throw went into centerfield. Gaub got Kris Welker to pop out to right to end the threat.
Iowa and Minnesota will return to action tomorrow with a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m.
GAME SUMMARYMinnesota 010 002 000 -- 3 7 1IOWA 000 011 000 -- 2 7 1
WP - Matt Loberg (6-4)LP - Luke O'Loughlin (1-4)SV - John Gaub (6)HR - Dusty Napoleon (1), Nate Yoho (5)="http:>