Senior Parker Knoll went 1-for-2 with two RBI, but the Minnesota Golden Gophers still came up short on Tuesday, and suffered defeat at the hands of the North Dakota State Bison by a final of 6-3.
Freshman Luke Ryerse (0-2) started and took the loss on the mound for Minnesota (20-22). Sophomore Will Whelan was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going 2.1 shutout innings while allowing one hit, walking one and striking out four.
In the batter’s box, the Golden Gophers were led by Knoll, who went 1-for-2 on the day with a walk and two RBI. Senior Josh Fitzgerald went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk. Junior Weber Neels also chipped in for Minnesota, putting together one hit in two trips to the plate while adding an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing 1-0, the Golden Gophers first put runs on the board in the first inning. Minnesota got an RBI single from Knoll, scoring junior Drew Berkland from third base.
The Bison then scored four runs to retake their advantage heading into the third inning, when the Golden Gophers responded by getting back on the scoreboard themselves. Fitzgerald came across to score the lone run of the inning for Minnesota, which tightened the Bison lead to 5-2.
North Dakota State expanded their lead to 6-2 before the Minnesota offense got back to work, reducing that lead to 6-3 in the eighth. The Golden Gophers scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Neels. The
Golden Gophers were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.
GAME NOTES
» Berkland stole two bases in Tuesday’s game.
» The Golden Gophers drew four walks from North Dakota State pitching.
» Knoll led the Golden Gophers at the plate, going 1-for-2 with two RBI.
(info and photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)
