Hawkeyes Split Doubleheader

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa baseball team split a doubleheader with Michigan State on Friday at Duane Banks Field. The Spartans won the first game, 12-8, in 11 innings before the Hawkeyes won 7-3 in the nightcap.

“We just got beat in game one,” said Rick Heller. “They had 18 hits. We fought hard. That’s one where you fight back like you did, and you get an incredible pinch hit home run to tie it. You have to find a way to win that game.”

On a rare day where the wind was blowing out at Banks the Hawkeyes and Spartans combined for eight home runs in game one and 10 home runs on the day.

Cade Obermuller got the start for Iowa in game one throwing 5 2/3 innings allowing five runs on nine hits while striking out six. Daniel Wright allowed three runs on three hits in 1 1/3 innings of work. Sam Hart threw two scoreless innings, and Anthony Watts threw the final two innings and allowed four runs as he was tagged with the loss.

Daniel Rogers was 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs and Reese Moore also tallied three RBIs and a home run with a 2-for-4 performance. Blake Guerin also added a home run for the Hawkeyes.

In game two, Aaron Savary notched a quality start improving to 4-0 on the mound throwing 7 1/3 innings allowing two runs on six hits while striking out four. Chas Wheatley threw 1/3 of an inning and Ben DeTaeye closed out the game throwing 1 1/3 allowing one hit as he earned the save.

Ben Wilmes and Jackson Beaman were both 2-for-4. Jaixen Frost hit the first home run of his career, a 447-foot three run blast. Gabe Mitchell, Miles Risley and Daniel Rogers each plated a run.

“I think all of us were wondering what was going to happen in game two,” said Heller. “With a quick turn around when a team gets a win like that on the road a lot of times, they just keep it rolling. That is why it was so important that Savary came out just absolutely delt. We probably left him in a hit or two too long but he pitched fantastic.”

UP NEXT

The Hawkeyes and Spartans will close out the series tomorrow at 1 p.m. CT. Reece Beuter will start for the Hawkeyes and the game will be streamed on B1G+ and the Hawkeye Radio Network.