The Minnesota Golden Gophers (14-23, 3-10 B1G) responded from being tied 8-8 in the sixth inning to win in dramatic fashion, earning an 11-8 victory over the Purdue Boilermakers (20-17, 5-8 B1G) Saturday.
Junior Syndey Schwartz (5-12) got the win out of the bullpen for Minnesota. The right-hander went two shutout innings, giving up one hit, no walks and striking out three.
At the plate, the Gophers were paced by Senior Taylor Krapf, who went 2-for-3 on the day with a double, a home run, a walk and three RBI. Freshman Jae Cosgriff put together a noteworthy performance at the plate as well, going 1-for-1 with a home run, a walk and three RBI. Junior Breezy Burnett also contributed for Minnesota, putting together one hit in four trips to the plate while adding a double and three RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gophers were trailing 6-0 in the fourth inning when they first put runs on the board. Minnesota hit two home runs in the inning on the way to scoring eight runs.
The Boilermakers then tied the ballgame at eight before the ‘U’ came back to reclaim their advantage in the seventh inning. Burnett’s bases-clearing double was the offense in a three-run inning for Minnesota, which brought the score to 11-8 in favor of the Gophers. The score remained 11-8 for the rest of the game, as Minnesota held on for the win.
GAME NOTES
» Senior Nani Valencia had three base knocks in the game for Minnesota.
» The Gophers power output was led by Krapf, who picked up two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» Minnesota’s highest scoring inning was the fourth, when it pushed eight runs across.
» Minnesota went 5-for-8 (.625) with runners in scoring position.
» Minnesota pitchers faced 41 Purdue hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and seven fly balls while striking out five.
» Krapf led the Maroon and Gold at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and three RBI.
» Purdue was led offensively by freshman Maura Condon, who went 2-for-3 with a double and four RBI.
» Senior Madi Elish led the Boilermakers pitching staff, throwing three innings of two-run ball.
UP NEXT
The ‘U’ will be back in action on Friday April 11. The Gophers return home to face Oregon in a three game series taking place at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium. First for Game One on Friday is set for 5pm.
(info and stock photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)
