University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Ohio State
Gophers Defeat Buckeyes for First Big Ten Win
3/24/2017 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Columbus, Ohio - The University of Minnesota picked up their first Big Ten Conference win of the season as they defeated Ohio State 5-2 at Bill Davis Stadium.
The Gophers jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the third inning. Alex Boxwell reached base on a fielder's choice then stole his fifth base of the season. He then advanced to third base on a passed ball then scored on a sacrifice fly by Toby Hanson.
In the fifth inning the Maroon and Gold went up 2-0 on solo home run by Alex Boxwell. The junior's second home run of the season was to center field where it went over the 400 foot mark on the wall.
The Buckeyes tied the game up 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning but that was short lived as the Gophers tacked don two runs in the top of the seventh inning. Boxwell reached base first on a walk then advanced to third base on a Hanson single to left center. Boxwell then scored when Matt Stemper hit one back to the pitcher who tried to get Boxwell at the plate but resulted in everyone being safe.
With runners on first and second, Jordan Smith singled to right field that scored Hanson. Stemper advanced to third base and Smith went to second base as the right fielder bobbled the ball. The inning ended as Jordan Kozicky struck out swinging and Eduardo Estrada, Jr. flied out to center field.
The Gophers tacked on one more run in the ninth inning when Smith tripled to right field then was brought in by a Kozicky single that dropped in front of the center fielder.
Lucas Gilbreath started on the mound for Minnesota where he threw 6.2 innings. The junior lefty only allowed four hits, one earned run while striking out seven batters. Gilbreath picked up his second win of the season and is 2-0.
Tyler Hanson came in for the hold when he pitched 1.1 innings. He didn't allow a hit and struck out one batter. Brian Glowicki came into the game in the ninth inning where he gave up one hit while striking out two batters for his seventh save of the season.
Minnesota will finish the three-game series tomorrow with a doubleheader with bad weather expected on Sunday. Game one will begin at 11 a.m. central time with the second game beginning 30 minutes after the first game concludes.
You can follow the action this year by following the Gophers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Game Notes
- Boxwell reached base four times (three walks and one hit).
- Each starter for the Gophers reached base.
- Smith recorded his second triple of the season.
- Gilbreath set a career high with 6.2 innings pitched in one game.
