DES MOINES – The University of Iowa baseball team defeated Florida International, 16-4, in seven innings on Saturday afternoon at Principal Park.
The Hawkeye offense took off in the fourth inning plating nine runs. They scored one run in the second, three in the third, nine in the fourth, and three in the sixth.
FIU put up its first inning of multiple runs in the top of the sixth, plating two, cutting the deficit to nine runs. Iowa answered the call and scored again in the bottom of the sixth to keep the double-digit lead and end the game early.
“We did exactly what we needed to do this weekend. It helped build some confidence. It was a good break with some nice weather and friendly wind,” said head coach Rick Heller.
“More than anything, losing the game on Thursday and how we lost that game, I was interested to see how we responded- and how we responded was like you would expect from a bunch of guys that care a whole lot with champion character.”
Gable Mitchell notched the first home run of the afternoon in the bottom of the second, tying things up between the Hawkeyes and Panthers at one. In the bottom of the third, Andy Nelson and Raider Tello hit back-to-back home runs, tallying three Hawkeye home runs on the day.
Mitchell led the RBI race, putting up four for Iowa. Cade Moss had three, Nelson and Tello each had two, and Davis Cop registered one.
Anthony Watts got the start. He threw 2 1/3 innings and allowed two runs. The Clive, Iowa, native struck out two and walked two.
Ganon Archer came in to relieve Watts, throwing 2 2/3 innings and allowing no runs. The Adel, Iowa, native struck out three and walked one, and was credited with the win.
Benjamin DeTaeye and Jack Whitlock each threw an inning to close out the shortened game.
“I just want to thank all the fans that came out and supported us. The atmosphere was awesome, it was electric the whole time. It was loud at the right times. Thanks to the Iowa Cubs and Sam Bernabe for allowing us to do this and working with us to help set it up. They were just outstanding,” said Heller.
The Hawkeyes head to Omaha next week for the Big Ten Tournament. Seeding, game time, and more details will be available on hawkeyesports.com following the complete of Big Ten regular season play this afternoon.
