Hippen, Hawkeyes Blank Buckeyes in Series Opener

May 13, 2011

Box Score

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Iowa baseball team shut out Ohio State Friday evening in the first of a three-game set, 7-0, behind a stellar outing from starting pitcher Jarred Hippen. The game was played at Bill Davis Stadium on the campus of Ohio State.

Hippen tallied the win while throwing his third complete game of the year and seventh of his career. The junior scattered three hits while striking out five. The three hits equaled a season low for the Buckeyes.

The Hawkeyes (19-27, 8-11) pounded out 11 hits in the victory. Iowa moves to 13-4 when recording more hits than its opponent. Five Hawkeyes recorded an RBI and the top four batters in Iowa’s lineup each recorded multi-hit games. Senior Trevor Willis went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Senior Zach McCool went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs. Senior Mike McQuillan tallied his team-leading 19th multi-hit contest, going 2-for-5 with two RBI. Freshman Taylor Zeutenhorst continued his hot streak, going 2-for-5 with two RBI.

Iowa took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Freshman Kyle Haen singled home Phil Keppler with two outs to give the Hawkeyes the early advantage.

The visitor’s added to their lead in the third. With two away in the inning, Zeutenhorst doubled to right, scoring McCool and making the score 2-0.

Iowa doubled its run total in the top of the fifth, pushing its lead to 4-0. The Black and Gold tallied their first run in the frame on an RBI groundout by McQuillan. Zeutenhorst then singled to left with two outs, scoring McCool. Zeutenhorst has recorded nine two-out RBI in his last seven games.

In the top of the seventh, an RBI single up the middle by McQuillan pushed the score to 5-0.

The Hawkeyes added two more runs to their total in the top of the ninth. With one away and Haen on second, Willis notched his conference-leading eighth triple of the year. McCool then singled through the left side to score Willis and make the final tally 7-0.

Drew Rucinski started and took the loss for Ohio State (22-23, 10-9). Rucinski tallied only his second loss of the season, allowing five runs (four earned) on nine hits in six and a third innings pitched.

Iowa, winner of four of its last five conference games, remains one game out of sixth place; the top six teams qualify for the Big Ten Tournament.

The Hawkeyes and Buckeyes continue their three-game series Saturday. Game two first pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. (CT).