The Minnesota Golden Gophers took a 4-2 lead in the third inning and never trailed from there on the way to a 4-3 victory over the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on Tuesday.
Junior Noah Rooney (3-1) got the win out of the bullpen for Minnesota (12-17). The southpaw went 3.2 innings, giving up one run on one hit, allowing no walks and striking out three. Senior Seth Clausen also pitched well, going three shutout innings without allowing a hit, walking none and striking out three.
In the batter’s box, the Golden Gophers were paced by senior Josh Fitzgerald, who went 1-for-3 on the day with a home run, a walk and an RBI. Senior Parker Knoll furnished a noteworthy day at the plate as well, going 2-for-3 with an RBI. Junior Drew Berkland also chipped in for Minnesota, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Golden Gophers got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the bottom the first inning with the game still scoreless. Fitzgerald put Minnesota on the board with a lead off home run off freshman Drew McDowell.
The Golden Gophers lost the lead they built in the first, but got back on the board in the third trailing 2-1. which brought the score to 4-2 in favor of the Golden Gophers. South Dakota State put one run on the scoreboard before the game was over, but Minnesota still held on for the 4-3 win. 37 89 30 24 4
GAME NOTES
» Minnesota’s highest scoring inning was the third, when it pushed three runs across.
» The Golden Gophers out-hit the Jackrabbits at an 8-6 clip.
» Knoll stole two bases in Tuesday’s game.
» Minnesota went 3-for-9 (.333) with runners in scoring position.
» Fitzgerald led the Golden Gophers at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI.
(info and photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)
