Feb. 22, 2008
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CLEARWATER, FL – – The University of Iowa baseball team recorded its first win of the season Friday with an 8-3 victory over Albany.
Junior Nick Erdman (1-0) received the win, while Casey Walsh (0-1) picked up the loss for the Golden Rams.
“I felt good out there today,” Erdman said. “On top of that, the team played really well offensively and defensively. I had great back up.”
The Hawkeyes jumped out to a 4-0 lead with two outs in the second inning. The Iowa rally started with Justin Braurer’s double down the right field line and was continued by Kevin Hoef’s single to left. Justin Toole continued the rally for Iowa with a two RBI double down the left field line that was followed by Caleb Curry’s double to center field.
“I think the team competed well today,” Curry said. “We had some jitters during our first at bats, but we focused and had quality at bats later on.”
Erdman threw well in the start, pitching five scoreless innings. He only allowed four hits and struck out eight. The game also saw action from Hawkeye pitchers Jason Belk, Andrew Porter and Matt Mossey. The bullpen allowed no earned runs in four innings.
Albany scored two in the seventh after Brendan Rowland doubled down the left field line and Dave West homered to left center.
Iowa added two insurance runs in the ninth and held the Golden Rams off the board in the bottom on the ninth.
“For the first time outside of the bubble, we played well,” Coach Jack Dahm said. “Our guys played hard, our pitching was great and our hitting was solid. Nick Erdman threw exceptionally well. He competed and made big pitches when he needed to.”
Iowa will face Notre Dame Saturday at Jack Russell Stadium. First pitch is set for 2:30 p.m.
GAME SUMMARY
Iowa 040 010 102 --- 8 10 2
Albany 000 000 210 --- 3 9 5
WP-Erdman (1-0)
LP-Walsh (0-1)
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