An outstanding offensive output was not enough for Minnesota on Sunday. The Golden Gophers put up six runs, but could not hold the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at bay, and were defeated 12-6.
Freshman Adam Urban (2-1) came out of the bullpen for Minnesota (20-18, 7-11) and took the loss. Senior Seth Clausen was a bright spot for the Golden Gophers, coming out of the bullpen as well and throwing three innings, giving up one run on no hits, with two walks and three strikeouts.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Golden Gophers got on the scoreboard first, starting in the second inning. Minnesota got an RBI single from sophomore Charlie Sutherland, scoring junior Kris Hokenson from third base.
The Scarlet Knights then rallied to score seven runs and take a 7-1 lead before the Golden Gophers got back on the board in the fifth. The Minnesota offense exploded for four runs, highlighted by a three-run home run off the bat of junior Weber Neels, which brought the score to 7-5 in favor of the Scarlet Knights.
Rutgers expanded their lead to 10-5 before the Minnesota offense got back in action, reducing that lead to 10-6 in the seventh. The Golden Gophers were unable to get any closer, as Rutgers added two runs to their tally on the way to a 12-6 final.
GAME NOTES
» Minnesota’s highest scoring inning was the fifth, when it pushed four runs across.
» The Golden Gophers drew five walks from Rutgers pitching.
» Neels led the Golden Gophers at the plate, going 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI.
(info and stock photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)
