IOWA CITY – The 18th ranked University of Iowa baseball team defeated Loras, 20-6, in its home opener at Duane Banks Field on Tuesday night. It is believed to be the earliest home opener in program history.
“I was really pleased with how we played tonight,” said head coach Rick Heller. “The first four innings were outstanding, everything that you wanted to see happen, happened. The guys that you hoped would get some hits got them, we played great defense and got good pitching. It was really solid.”
The Hawkeye bats raced out to an early 10-0 lead after the first two innings. Raider Tello had a first inning two-run home run that cleared the scoreboard in left field in the first inning and the second inning saw an explosion of offense as Iowa plated eight.
Elliot Cadieux-Lanoue saw his first career action earning the start and was credited with the win following two scoreless innings of work allowing just one hit.
Seven other pitchers followed Cadiuex-Lanoue and the Hawkeye arms totaled 10 strikeouts,
while allowing just three earned runs. Benjamin DeTaeye and Justin Hackett each punched out three DuHawks in their respective inning of work.
Chas Wheatley, Brant Hogue and Drew Deremer each threw an inning without allowing a hit.
Sam Petersen was 3-for-3 on the night with an RBI, while Reese Moore went 3-for-4 and plated three RBIs for the Hawkeyes. Kyle Huckstorf added a fourth inning grand slam.
The DuHawks avoided the shutout plating runs in the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings to cut into the Hawkeye lead.
12 different Hawkeyes scored a run in the contest led by Moore, Ben Wilmes and Gable Mitchell each with three.
Iowa (3-1) returns to action Friday, facing Auburn in the opening game of the Jax College Classic in Jacksonville, Florida. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. (CT).
