March 21, 2009
IOWA CITY, IA — The Iowa baseball team dropped the nightcap of a doubleheader to Western Illinois at Duane Banks Field, 7-3. The Leathernecks broke the game open in the fourth and never looked back despite a ninth inning attempt from Iowa. The Hawkeyes out-hit Western Illinois in the loss.
The Leathernecks struck first, plating one in the third to take an early 1-0 lead. Western Illinois furthered its lead, 5-0, in the fourth scoring four on three hits.
The Hawkeyes got on the board to trail 5-1 in the bottom of the sixth with a solo shot by Phil Keppler.
Iowa continued to go yard in the bottom of the seventh. Zach McCool hit his second homer of the year to left center to put the score at 5-2.
Western Illinois added two insurance runs in the eighth–utilizing the bunt to further its lead to 7-2.
The Hawkeyes came up short in the ninth only plating one to lose 7-3. Toole singled to start the inning and was moved over in a fielder’s choice. Keppler picked up an RBI with a single to center.
Iowa’s bullpen threw a solid six innings, allowing no earned runs. Patrick Schatz threw five innings, allowing only one Leatherneck hit. Sean Flanagan finished the ninth, allowing no runner on base.
In the win, Keppler led the Hawkeyes going 3-for-4 with two RBI. McCool went 2-for-4 with the other Iowa RBI.
Iowa will take on Western Illinois in Macomb, IL tomorrow; first pitch is set for 1:30 p.m. (CDT)
GAME SUMMARY
Western Illinois 001 400 020 - 7 9 1
Iowa 000 001 101 - 3 13 2
WP - Eden (2-1)
LP - Jacobs (1-4)