IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa baseball team defeated Bradley, 11-6, on Wednesday night at Duane Banks Field.
The Hawkeyes trailed twice in the contest but responded both times to take the midweek contest with the Braves. Bradley struck first with a solo home run in the first, the Hawkeyes responded with a three run second inning.
After the Braves added five runs between the fourth and the fifth, Iowa again battled back scoring eight runs in the final three innings.
“I think for the most part it was a very good job,” said head coach Rick Heller. “Had the one bad inning in the fourth that looked like it was going to cost us. But other than that, we got off to a great start. The first three guys that went out there they did a nice job. Archer had a good start other than the solo home run to O’Brian.”
10 different pitchers saw action in the contest for the Hawkeyes. Anthony Watts had the longest outing throwing 1 1/3 innings to earn his second win of the season.
Ben DeTaeye threw the final inning of the game to close out the win. He joined Reese Beuter and Brandt Hogue as Hawkeyes who did not allow a hit or a run in the contest.
Andy Nelson, led the offensive charge for Iowa, plating three RBIs. Raider Tello and Reese Moore were both 2-for-5 and Moore scored three runs. Kyle Huckstorf and Gable Mitchell both scored two runs.
“What we were trying to do tonight is just be who we are,” said Heller.” We’re seeing that we do a good job of holding the zone and not expanding. Taking what they can get even if it is a walk, as well as being ready to do some damage if they get it over the big part of the plate. It was good to see.”
Iowa stole seven bases and hit .324 en route to the victory.
Iowa continues its home stand hosting Rutgers for a three-game series starting Friday at 6:05 p.m. (CT).