March 3, 2006
LAFAYETTE, LA – The University of Iowa baseball team ran its record to 4-0 with a 2-0 win over Northwestern State at the Louisiana Cajun Classic Friday afternoon. The win gives the Hawkeyes their best start since 1981.
The Demons are the second 2005 NCAA Tournament team the Hawkeyes have beaten this season. The other was Austin Peay, who Iowa defeated 12-10 in the season opener.
Senior southpaw Jeff Maitland threw a gem, allowing just two hits over six shutout innings. The Palatine, IL, native struck out four and walked three. Chase Stephens and Scott Brune kept Northwestern State off the board until the ball was given to first team all-Big Ten Tim Gudex, who picked up his second save.
The Hawkeyes got both runs off the bat of freshman designated hitter Wes Freie. In the top of the fourth, Iowa loaded the bases when Matt Wooldrik reached on an error, Travis Sweet had a bunt single and Dusty Napoleon drew a walk. Freie then drove home the first run of the game with a sacrifice fly to right.
In the sixth, Iowa got an insurance run on an RBI single from Freie. Sweet walked and stole second, moved to third on a groundout by Napoleon, then scored when Freie ripped a single to right-centerfield.
Holding a 2-0 lead in the eighth, Gudex came in and slammed the door shut. He allowed just one hit (his first of the season) and picked up three strikeouts.
Freshman catcher Ben Geelan picked up a pair of hits for Iowa, going 2-of-4.
Iowa will face another NCAA Regional team tomorrow when it battles Louisiana-Lafayette. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.
GAME SUMMARYIOWA 000 101 000 -- 2 7 0Northwestern St. 000 000 000 -- 0 5 1
WP - Jeff Maitland (1-0) LP - Frasier Robinson (2-1)SV - Tim Gudex (2)2B - (IA)Geelan, Napoleon; (NSU) Rodriguez, McCorquodaleBattery: Hawkeyes - Maitland; Stephens(7); Brune(7); Gudex(8) and Geelan. Northwestern St - Robinson; Dorton(9) and Flower.="https://hawkeyesports.com/http:%3E%3C/ahref="http:>