Hawkeyes Fall To Pittsburgh In Extras, 3-2

Feb. 19, 2011

Box Score

CLEARWATER, Fla. – – The Iowa baseball team fell to Pittsburgh, 3-2, in 11 innings Saturday night at Bright House Field, the spring training home of the Philadelphia Phillies. The game was Iowa’s second of three at the Big East/Big Ten Challenge.

“It was a tough loss,” said Head Coach Jack Dahm. “I was proud of the way our guys battled. We did some outstanding things. A couple little mistakes cost us tonight. I expect us to play a very good game tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing how we respond after a tough loss tonight.”

The Hawkeyes (0-2) struck early, plating a run in the bottom of the first. Trevor Willis got it started for Iowa with a one-out single. After Willis advanced to second on a Panther throwing error to first, Dan Sheppard singled to left to give the Black and Gold an early 1-0 advantage.

Iowa added another run in the bottom of the sixth. Mike McQuillan singled through the left side to start the inning. Kurt Lee, who came in to pinch run, later scored on a wild pitch, pushing the Hawkeye lead to 2-0.

With two runners on in the seventh, Iowa starter Nick Brown was replaced by junior Patrick Lala. Pittsburgh (2-0) went on to tally two runs in the inning, tying the game at 2-2.

Brown took a no decision in his season debut, going six and a third, allowing one earned run on five hits. The junior righty struck out five Panthers.

Closer Kevin Lee held Pittsburgh scoreless over two and a third, and the Hawkeye offense threatened in the bottom of the ninth and 10th, but the score remained tied at two. In the top of the 11th, the Panthers plated a run off Ricky Sandquist to claim a 3-2 victory.

Iowa returns to action tomorrow in the final day of the Big East/Big Ten Challenge when it plays Seton Hall. First pitch is slated for noon (CT).