Feb. 21, 2009
CLEARWATER, FL — The Iowa baseball team lost to St. John’s at Jack Russell Stadium on Saturday, 18-3. The Hawkeyes battled back after a one hour and five minute first inning, but came up short despite a solid no error defensive effort. The game featured ten doubles and officials called the game after seven innings.
St. John’s (2-0) took a first inning 12-0 lead. The Red Storm sent 16 batters to the plate, knocking out ten hits.
Iowa (0-2) scored two in the second for a 12-2 game. Wes Freie started Iowa’s game of catch up with a walk, two outs later Zach McCool blasted a ball to center for an RBI double. Trevor Willis followed his lead with another RBI double to right center.
The Hawkeyes were patient at the plate in the fourth adding one, 13-3. Freie got things going with a walk, followed by a double down the right field line by Tyson Blaser. TJ Cataldo loaded the bases by drawing a walk. Runners advanced and Freie scored on a wild pitch.
The Red Storm plated one in the second, another in the fourth and four in the fifth. This is the second straight game St. John’s has scored 15 or more runs. (They won 15-6 over Penn State Friday.)
In the loss, Iowa recorded three hits, all of which were doubles. Blaser, McCool and Willis all recorded a double. Kevin Hoef recorded his 50th career hit-by-pitch his first at bat.
Iowa will take on Georgetown at the Naimoli Complex in St. Petersburg, FL, tomorrow at the BIG EAST/Big Ten Challenge. First pitch is set for 9 a.m. (CST).
GAME SUMMARY
Iowa 0 20 100 0 - 3 3 0
St. John's (12)10 140 X - 18 18 1
WP – Rivera (1-0)
LP – Kenyon (0-1)