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IOWA CITY, Iowa — Seven University of Iowa relievers scattered two hits over seven shutout innings to lead the Hawkeyes to a 4-2 victory over Grand View on Wednesday afternoon at Duane Banks Field.
The win was Iowa’s 17th of the season, moving the team’s record to 17-9.
Sophomore Derek Lieurance, freshman Jack Dreyer, redshirt sophomore Kyle Shimp, freshman Cam Baumann, junior Shane Ritter, and senior Nick Nelsen all tossed hitless frames. Baumann earned his first career victory, while Nelsen struck out four of the five batters he faced to notch his second save in as many games.
Eight Hawkeye pitchers limited Grand View to just four hits and the staff finished with 13 strikeouts and only one walk.
The Hawkeyes spotted the Vikings a 2-0 lead when starter Trenton Wallace gave up a wind-aided home run to Tyler Smith in the second inning before Iowa fought back to tie the game with single runs in the second and fourth frames.
Sophomore Kyle Crowl reached on a fielding error with one out in the second and advanced all the way to third base before scoring on Lorenzo Elion’s sacrifice fly to make the score 2-1. Iowa evened the score on another Elion RBI single in the fourth.
The Hawkeyes took the lead in the sixth when senior Austin Guzzo scored on a wild pitch after leading off the inning with a walk. Freshman Brett McCleary drove in the final run on an RBI groundout to knock in Crowl.
QUOTING HEAD COACH RICK HELLER
“I couldn’t be happier with how that game went with 13 strikeouts, one walk, and no errors. I am pleased with how we played and I am happy with our pitchers. Lorenzo has given us big hits lately, and continued today, driving in two runs. His defense has been consistent and he has done a great job for us.”
OF NOTE…
- Iowa’s 13 strikeouts are tied for a season-high. It is the third time the Hawkeyes have had 13 strikeouts in a game this season.
- The Hawkeyes out-hit the Vikings, 6-4, with six different players recording a hit.
- Lorenzo Elion finished with two RBIs, his third multi-RBI game of the season.
- The Hawkeyes improve to 8-2 at Duane Banks Field this season.
UP NEXT
Iowa returns to action Saturday, hosting Ohio State in the first of a three-game series at Banks Field. Game time is set for 2:05 p.m. (CT). The series will take place Saturday through Monday.
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