Hawkeyes Walk-off Minnesota in Extras

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa softball team walked off Minnesota in dramatic fashion Saturday afternoon, claiming a 3-2 extra-inning victory at Bob Pearl Field.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing 2-1 in the seventh and down to their final strike, the Hawkeyes found a spark. Mariah Myers delivered with a solo home run to left field, tying the game and forcing extra innings.

Kiara Sipe led off the eighth with a single and advanced to third. With the winning run just 60 feet away, Brianna Johnson put the ball in play, allowing Sipe to score and secure the walk-off victory.

Minnesota struck first in the second inning with a two-run home run to center field, taking an early 2-0 lead.

Iowa answered with a home run of its own when Leah McAnally blasted her fifth of the season to put the Hawkeyes on the board.

Carly Brewer earned the win in relief. She entered in the sixth inning, retired the first three batters she faced and stranded two runners. The freshman tossed three innings of no-hit ball, striking out one and allowing just one baserunner.

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH STACY MAY-JOHNSON
"The tougher team won today. It took us a while to get going, but that's what happened. One run is one swing of the bat, and we saw that. Mariah proved that by getting the job done in the seventh. Carly Brewer has come a long way. She's really found her stride, and it's good to see her build momentum."

NOTABLES

• The win marks Iowa’s seventh come-from-behind victory and third walk-off win of the season.
• The eight-inning contest is Iowa’s first extra-inning game of the season.
• Carly Brewer has allowed just two runs over her last 16 innings pitched.
• The Hawkeyes have hit 37 home runs on the season.

UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes (19-9 overall, 5-3 Big Ten) return to action Sunday for the series finale against Minnesota. First pitch for the rubber match is set for noon. Single-game tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for youth. Fans can follow along on B1G+ (subscription required).