MINNEAPOLIS – The University of Iowa baseball team split a doubleheader with Minnesota on Friday at Siebert Field. The Gophers took game one, 12-3, before the Hawkeyes won the nightcap, 7-2.
“After a good start and a three-run lead going into the fifth in game one, the wheels fell off,” said head coach Rick Heller. “We struggled on the mound after that, and the Gophers made us pay. We were behind in the count all day and gave them a bunch of free bases.”
Brody Brecht got the start in game one throwing 4 1/3 innings while striking out three, walking four, and striking out three. He allowed five runs.
Marcus Morgan got the start and earned the win in the second game. He threw five innings and allowed three hits and two runs while striking out five. Aaron Savary threw 3 1/3 innings of relief striking out four, and Luke Llewellyn got the final two outs of the contest.
“We bounced back in game two behind a solid start from Marcus Morgan,” said Heller. “Aaron Savary did a nice job after Marcus and Luke Llewellyn looked good closing it out in the 9th. Our offense took advantage of some walks and battled vs some good arms. Brayden Frazier and Ben Wilmes had big two RBI hits. We played excellent defense in both games. I was proud of how our guys fought back.”
On the offensive side of things Keaton Anthony was 4-for-7 with a double and a home run. Ben Wilmes was 3-for-9 with two RBIs. Kyle Huckstorf and Brayden Frazier also both had two RBIs apiece.
The Hawkeyes were outhit 13-6 in the first game but responded outhitting Minnesota 7-5 in the second contest.
Of Note
- Iowa moves to 24-9 on the season, and 3-5 in the Big Ten.
- The win was Rick Heller’s 300th as the head coach of the Hawkeyes. He joins Otto Vogel and Duane Banks as the only coaches to reach 300 wins at Iowa.
- Keaton Anthony recorded his 17th double of the year. Anthony is tied for 12th most in a single season at Iowa.
- The Hawkeyes recorded five two out RBIs today. The Hawkeyes have 86 two out RBIs on the season.
Up Next
The Hawkeyes and Gophers are scheduled to wrap up the series on Saturday at 2 p.m. (CT) at Siebert Field.