Hawkeyes Shut Out Retrievers, 6-0

DELAND, Florida – The University of Iowa baseball team defeated UMBC, 6-0, on Sunday afternoon at Melching Field at Conrad Park. It was the Hawkeyes’ second straight shutout. 

Iowa recorded 11 hits while limiting the Retrievers to just two hits on the day. 

Reece Beuter got the start and was stellar over seven innings. He allowed one hit, one walk and struck out five.

“Reece pitched a great game today,” said head coach Rick Heller. “He was outstanding. 7 innings, no runs, 1 hit and only 70 pitches. That’s an impressive day. Brant Hogue and Jack Whitlock finished it off with clean innings in the 8th and 9th. It was our second shutout in less than 24 hours.  In 29 innings this weekend the staff only gave up 2 runs and 12 hits. That’s a great weekend.”

Brant Hogue and Jack Whitlock each pitched an inning to close out the game. Hogue struck out three and allowed one hit and Whitlock didn’t allow a baserunner in the bottom of the ninth. 

Ben Swails made his first start of the season and was 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Reese Moore and Ben Wilmes each tallied two hits for the Hawkeyes. Moore had a home run and Wilmes a pair of RBIs. Caleb Wulf, Miles Risley and Daniel Rogers each also tallied an RBI.
 
“Today, the offense scored one in the 1st and one in the 2nd to give Beuter all the run support he needed,” said Heller. “Ben Swails had a big game both on offense and defense in his first start. Ben Wilmes and Reese Moore both and good days at the plate. The defense was outstanding today as it was all weekend. There were a lot positives and some big improvements this weekend.” 

The Hawkeyes lit up the scoreboard early scoring a run in the first on sacrifice fly from Rogers that plated Wulf. Moore then followed it up hitting a solo shot in the second inning. 

An RBI fielder’s choice for Wulf extended the Iowa lead to three in the fifth. The Hawkeyes added three insurance runs in the top of the ninth, two off the bat of Wilmes and then a sacrifice fly for Risley. 

“It will be a short week as we head to Texas on Wednesday to play Washington State in a Thursday-Sunday four game series,” said Heller. “I’m excited to see some of the pitchers who haven’t got into the game to throw this week.” 

UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes head to Cleburne, Texas, for a four-game series with the Washington State Cougars on Feb. 25-March 1.