Minnesota opened Big Ten conference play with a weekend road series against Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights had their way, defeating the Gophers in three straight games.

Gophers comeback attempt comes up short

Junior RHP Sam Ireland started on the mound for the Gophers. He compiled six strikeouts in five innings pitched, but three earned runs in the first two innings put them in a tough hole to climb out of.

A two-run home run from redshirt senior Jack Kelly in the sixth inning brought Minnesota within one run, but Rutgers responded, extending its lead to 6-2 by the end of the seventh inning.

RBI doubles from Kelly and Otto Grimm in the eighth inning gave the Gophers one last chance, but Rutgers ultimately ended on top 6-4.

Rutgers’ offensive explosion too much for Minnesota

In the first leg of a double-header Saturday, RHP J.P. Massey started on the mound for Minnesota. In 3.1 innings of work he allowed five hits and six runs, while striking out five batters.

An offensive outburst in the fourth inning saw Rutgers grow its lead to 9-0.

Minnesota got on the board at last in the sixth inning, thanks to a Chase Stanke RBI single. Then a Brady Counsell home run in the eighth inning narrowed Rutgers’ lead to 11-2.

The Scarlet Knights’ fast start was too much for the Gophers, who fell 11-2.

Minnesota’s offense struggles to find rhythm

An early two-run home run from Andrew Wilhite in the third inning gave the Gophers their first a 2-1 lead, their first and only of the weekend series.

Redshirt junior RHP Aidan Maldonado started for the Gophers. He pitched 3.2 innings, allowing eight hits and seven earned runs.

The Gophers were not able to get any offense going after Wilhite’s early home run. Rutgers finished the game scoring eight unanswered runs and took down Minnesota 9-2.

Minnesota now moves to 8-18 on the season and will host North Dakota State on Tuesday, before a home weekend series against Maryland.