Hawkeyes Take Doubleheader, Sweep Series Over Gophers

Junior RHP Cade Obermueller started on the mound in game one and produced a quality start for his second win of the season. He gave up zero runs, three hits and struck out 11 Gophers in six innings of work. This is the second time he's punched out 10-plus batters in a game this season (10 vs. USF on 2/14).

Junior RHP Anthony Watts came in to relieve him and struck out five batters over two innings. Freshman Jaron Bleeker closed out the game in the ninth, giving up two walks but striking out three Gophers.

The Iowa offense totaled 15 hits to Minnesota's three. The Hawkeyes hit .405 overall and .389 with runners in scoring position. 

The Hawkeyes led, 6-0, before piling on seven runs in the ninth frame off of two doubles and three singles. Junior Gable Mitchell (2-for-5, 2 2B, 1 R) and fifth-year Andy Nelson (1-for-3, HR, 2 R) led the Iowa offense with three RBIs each. 

"We did a good job with our plan off their starter," Heller said. "We got the lead early and just kept the pressure on them all day long and played great defense behind it."

This marked the second time in program history that the Hawkeyes have scored 10 or more runs in six straight Big Ten games. In 2007, Iowa had a stretch of seven games.

Redshirt senior Reece Beuter got the nod on the mound in game two. He pitched 3 2/3 innings, giving up two runs on five hits while striking out three.

"Reece Beuter gave us a solid start," Heller said. "He had to bump up two days from his normal start on Sundays, and he did a nice job."

Six other Hawkeyes came out of the bullpen and gave up a combined four runs, including three in the bottom of the ninth to make it a nailbiter.

Fifth-year Brant Hogue, who pitched 1 2/3 innings and struck out three Gophers, was credited with the win. Fresman Tyler Guerin earned his first career save, recording the last three outs of the game with the tying run at second base.

Reigning B1G Player of the Week Reese Moore led the offense going 4-for-5 with two home runs, two doubles and three RBIs. He now leads the team with nine long balls this season. Grad transfer Daniel Rogers went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run and three RBIs. 

"The big story in this game was just us not throwing strikes and giving them a chance to come back," said Heller. "You don't like to see that, but we found a way to hold on in the end, and I could not be happier to get the sweep."

Up Next

Iowa has a midweek contest at Bradley on Tuesday at 6 p.m. (CDT). It will be broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network.