An eighth inning RBI double from redshirt-senior Jack Kelly was the difference in Minnesota earning a 2-1 victory over in-state opponent St. Thomas.

On a rainy sub-45 degree day at Siebert Field, head coach John Anderson decided to deploy LHP Jack Liffrig as the Gophers starting pitcher.

The decision seemed to pay off, as Tuesday was one of Liffirg’s best outings of the season.

One run in the second inning was all the Tommies coust muster at the plate. Liffrig’s four innings pitched is his second longest outing this season. Only allowing two hits, one earned run and walking none set the Gophers up for success.

St. Thomas RHP Duke Coborn had a day of his own, allowing the Gophers to get only two hits all game. His three strikeouts through seven innings made it tough on Minnesota’s offense.

An RBI single in the seventh inning from redshirt-sophomore Kyle Bork got the party started for Minnesota’s offense.

Jack Kelly found himself starting at third base, but his big play at the plate helped Minnesota take home the victory. An eighth inning RBI double scored CF Brett Bateman giving the Gophers a 2-1 lead.

Solid relief pitching from Trent Schoeberl, Tucker Novotny and Will Semb helped the Gophers stave off the Tommies and pick up their tenth win of the season.

Minnesota now looks ahead to a weekend Big Ten series in Iowa City, Iowa against the Hawkeyes, who carry a 3-3 conference record into the matchup.