In its third Big Ten series of the season Minnesota had an opportunity to get some momentum against its rival Iowa. The Gophers continued to struggle offensively, getting outscored 20-7 in three consecutive losses.
Second inning explosion puts Hawkeyes over Gophers 9-3
Sam Ireland started on the mound for Minnesota Friday. In his ninth outing of the season, the junior RHP received some run support in the first inning.
A two-run double from catcher Chase Stanke gave the Gophers an early 2-0 lead.
Iowa responded in the first inning with a two-run home run of its own, and the Gophers trailed the rest of the way. A four-run explosion in the second inning gave the Hawkeyes an early 6-2 lead.
Ireland was pulled after four innings of work, allowing five hits, six earned runs and striking out two.
Minnesota added one more run in the sixth inning, but three more from Iowa resulted in a 9-3 ball game.
Gophers fall short 2-1 in pitching duel
Senior J.P. Massey was tasked with starting a pitcher for the Gophers in game No. 2.
Senior Chase Stanke opened the game offensively in the second inning with a solo home run, giving Minnesota an early 1-0 lead.
Iowa finally got on the board in the fifth inning adding two runs and took over the lead, forcing Minnesota to pull Massey off the mound.
Massey finished the game with 4.2 innings pitched, striking out six, allowing two earned runs and five hits.
The Gophers were not able to drive in any more runs, falling 2-1.
Late game surge leads to third straight blow Gophers lead 9-3
Minnesota’s offense got started early Sunday in the series finale. One run in each of the first three innings resulted in a 3-0 lead.
RBI from Jack Kelly, Andrew Wilhite and Drew Stahl was enough to give the Gophers a spark.
Thanks to a terrific outing from RHP Aidan Maldanado, Minnesota was able to carry its lead through six innings.
Maldanado’s day finished with 5.1 innings pitched, nine strikeouts, zero earned runs and only two hits allowed.
Right when things were looking up for the Gophers, Iowa scored eight in the seventh inning followed by one more run in the eighth. Minnesota lost 9-3.
The Gophers will look to get back on track with another midweek home matchup against St. Thomas on Tuesday and a weekend series at Siebert Field against Penn State.
