May 5, 2012
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa baseball team split a Saturday afternoon doubleheader against Michigan at Duane Banks Field. The Wolverines came from behind to win game one in 10 innings, 8-2. The Hawkeyes claimed the second contest of the doubleheader, and final game of the three-game set, 7-2.
“It was a good bounce back game by our guys after a tough loss,” said Dahm about game two. “Sasha (Kuebel) has incredible composure. He looks like a senior out there and expects to win. He has done a great job. His record could actually be 8-0 or 9-0. He has a good feel for pitching.”
Phil Keppler led the Iowa offense, tallying multiple hits in each contest. The senior finished 2-for-4 in each game. Classmate Chett Zeise (2-for-4) and freshman Jake Mangler (3-for-5) also registered multiple-hit games.
The Hawkeyes struck first in game two, tallying a single run in the bottom of the second on an RBI groundout by Dan Sheppard. Iowa extended its lead to 3-0 with two runs in the bottom of the fifth. Mangler and freshman Eric Toole each recorded an RBI in the frame.
After Michigan scored two runs in the top of the sixth to cut the lead to 3-2, the Hawkeyes answered with two of their own in the bottom half of the inning. Keppler and Zeise notched RBIs in the inning to give Iowa another three-run cushion at 5-2.
The Hawkeyes added two insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth via a Michigan balk and an RBI sacrifice fly by Toole, making the final score 7-2.
Freshman starter Sasha Kuebel remained perfect, earning his fifth victory of his rookie campaign and his first career complete game. The St. Louis native allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits. He struck out two.
Ben Ballantine took the loss for Michigan. He pitched four innings, allowing three runs on six hits.
In the opener, Iowa struck first with a single tally in the bottom of the fourth. Senior Mike McQuillan walked to open the frame and promptly stole his team-leading 12th base of the season. With McQuillan on second, freshman Jake Yacinich rocketed a single up the middle to score McQuillan and give Iowa a 1-0 advantage.
Iowa extended its lead to 2-0 in the last half of the seventh. Keppler scored from third on an RBI single to right by sophomore Keith Brand.
The Wolverines (19-28, 6-12) scored two unearned runs in the bottom of the ninth to even the score up at 2-2. The visitors pushed across six runs in the top of the 10th to make the final score, 8-2.
Hawkeye starter Matt Dermody took a tough-luck no-decision despite tossing seven and a third strong innings. The junior allowed zero runs on five hits. He struck out four Wolverines. Nick Brown, Taylor Kaufman, Nick Hibbing and Tim Fangman saw action out of the bullpen. Hibbing took the loss, allowing three runs in two-thirds of an inning.
“Dermody was outstanding,” said Dahm. “I wish he could’ve gotten the win. He competed.”
Matt Ogden earned the win for Michigan. The reliever tossed an inning and a third, allowing zero runs on no hits.
Iowa (19-24, 7-11) continues action next weekend at Michigan State. The Hawkeyes and Spartans will open the series at 2:05 p.m. on Friday. The two teams will also meet at 12:05 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday in East Lansing, Mich. All times are central.
Michigan 8, Iowa 2 (Game 1 – 10 inn.) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | R | H | E |
Michigan (19-27, 6-11) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 0 |
Iowa (18-23, 6-10) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 2 |
Game Decision | |||||||||||||
W: Ogden (MICH) 2-3 | |||||||||||||
L: Hibbing (IOWA) 1-2 |
Iowa 7, Michigan 2 (Game 2) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
Michigan (19-28, 6-12) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 1 |
Iowa (19-24, 7-11) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | X | 7 | 12 | 4 |
Game Decision | ||||||||||||
W: Kuebel (IOWA) 5-0 | ||||||||||||
L: Ballantine (MICH) 1-3 |