An outstanding offensive output was not enough for Minnesota on Sunday. The Golden Gophers (1-3, 0-0 B1G) put up eight runs, but could not hold the Utah Utes (3-2, 0-0 Big 12) at bay, and were defeated 9-8.
Junior Presley Hosick (1-1) took the loss in the circle for Minnesota.
Offensively, the Gophers were paced by senior Margaret Tobias, who went 2-for-4 on the day with a double and three RBI. Junior Syndey Schwartz compiled a noteworthy performance at the dish as well, going 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. Senior Nani Valencia also helped out for Minnesota, putting together two hits in three trips to the plate while adding a double, a walk and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The ‘U’ was trailing 1-0 in the third inning when they first put runs on the board. Minnesota’s offense started clicking and put up four runs, including a two-run home run off the bat of Schwartz.
The Utes then tied the ballgame at four before the Gophers came back to reclaim their advantage in the fourth inning. Senior Kayla Chavez came across to score the lone run of the inning for Minnesota, which brought the score to 5-4 in favor of the Gophers.
Minnesota’s lead had evaporated by the time the sixth inning came around and turned into a 9-5 Utah advantage, when the Gophers cut that deficit to 9-8. The ‘U’ picked up three runs in the frame, two of them coming across on a two-RBI double from Tobias. The Gophers were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.
GAME NOTES
» Minnesota’s highest scoring inning was the third, when it pushed four runs across.
» The ‘U’ went 6-for-11 (.545) with runners in scoring position.
» Minnesota pitchers faced 37 Utah hitters in the game, allowing six ground balls and six fly balls while striking out six.
» Tobias led the Gophers at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI.
» Utah was led offensively by freshman Kennedy Proctor, who went 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBI.
» Freshman Hailey Maestretti led the Utes pitching staff, throwing 4.1 innings of four-run ball.
UP NEXT
The ‘U’ will be in Boca Raton, Fla. for the Joan Joyce Classic starting Thursday Feb. 13. This tournament is hosted by Florida Atlantic University. The Gophers will take on FAU, Louisville twice, Villanova, and NC State.
(info and stock photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)
