University of Minnesota Athletics
Friday, April 14
Minneapolis, MN
3:00 PM
University of Minnesota
vs
Iowa
Players Mentioned
RHP
/ Baseball
RHP
/ Baseball
C/INF
/ Baseball
LHP
/ Baseball
LHP
/ Baseball
C
/ Baseball
Photo by: Bjorn Franke
'U' Gets Rival Hawkeyes for Three Games at Siebert Field
4/13/2023 10:26:00 AM | Baseball
A doubleheader will be played on Friday
Friday, April 14
Minnesota vs. Iowa
First Pitch: 3 p.m. CT
Location: Minneapolis, Minn. (Siebert Field)
Minnesota Starter: LHP Tucker Novotny (0-4, 4.57 ERA, 41.1 IP, 38K)
Iowa Starter: RHP Brody Becht (3-1, 2.43 ERA, 40.2 IP, 66K)
TV:Â B1G+
Talent: Dom Dandrea (Play-By-Play), Rob Fornasiere (Analyst) and Kyra Schwanz (Sideline)
Friday, April 14
Minnesota vs. Iowa
First Pitch: 40 minutes after game one ends
Location: Minneapolis, Minn. (Siebert Field)
Minnesota Starter: RHP George Klassen (1-4, 4.70 ERA, 30.2 IP, 29K)
Iowa Starter: RHP Marcus Morgan (0-1, 5.67 ERA, 27.0 IP, 33K)
TV:Â B1G+
Talent: Dom Dandrea (Play-By-Play), Rob Fornasiere (Analyst) and Kyra Schwanz (Sideline)
Saturday, April 15 OR Sunday, April 16 (Decided on Friday)
Minnesota vs. Iowa
First Pitch: TBA
Location: Minneapolis, Minn. (Siebert Field)
Minnesota Starter: RHP Richie Holetz (2-2, 2.76 ERA, 42.1 IP, 38K)
Iowa Starter: RHP Ty Langenberg (3-2, 4.71 ERA, 36.1 IP, 43K)
TV:Â B1G+
Talent: Dom Dandrea (Play-By-Play), Rob Fornasiere (Analyst) and Blake Mortenson (Sideline)
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Golden Gophers (9-22, 3-3 Big Ten) are set to host their second straight Big Ten series when the Iowa Hawkeyes (23-8, 2-4 Big Ten) come to town for a three game series. Live stats will be available at GopherSports.com while B1G+ is set to provide streaming.Â
MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS
-Friday is a 'Maroon Out' with all fans encouraged to wear maroon to the game.
-Fans can purchase Gopher Baseball sunglasses ticket packages for $15.
-Friday's doubleheader is one ticket for both games (no re-entry).
LAST TIME OUT
-Minnesota took down NDSU, 12-9, in a game in which they trailed 4-0 and 9-6, rallying from two three-plus run deficits. The Gophers hit four home runs, with Riley Swenson hitting the game-winning three-run shot in the bottom of the seventh.
HISTORICAL NOTES
-The 'U' is in its 135th year in program history.
-John Anderson is in his 42nd year at the helm of Gopher Baseball, holding a 1,356-986-3 (.581) record. This includes a 607-403 (.603) B1G mark. Under his watch, the Gophers have won 11 B1G titles and hold 19 NCAA Tournament appearances.
-The winningest coach in Big Ten history, Anderson won his 600th conference game in April vs. Penn State. He's the only B1G coach to reach that mark.
-Anderson coached his 1,000th career B1G game last May against Indiana. He's the only coach in conference history to hit that mark.
SCOUTING IOWAÂ
-Iowa (22-8, 2-4 Big Ten) is led by 10th-year head coach Rick Heller. He holds 299 victories at the University of Iowa heading into this weekend.
-Last year, Iowa went 36-19 (17-7 Big Ten) and finished tied for second in the conference standings. They fell in the B1G Tournament semis to end the season.
-This year, UI is led by Preseason All-Americans Brody Becht  (RHP) and Keaton Anthony (RHP/DH).
-Becht is 3-1 with a 2.43 ERA as a Friday starter while Anthony is hitting .330 with six home runs and 25 RBI while holding a 4.26 ERA (2-0) on the mound.
-The Hawkeyes best win of the year came in a 12-4 defeat of then No. 1 LSU on Feb. 25 in Texas.
-They are 2-4 in Big Ten play, losing two of three to Maryland and Indiana.
SERIES HISTORYÂ
-Minnesota is 187-127 all-time against Iowa. The Gophers were swept last year in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes have won six straight in the series.
-The teams played three times in Minnesota in 2018, with the Gophers taking two games at Target Field and Iowa taking the finale at Siebert Field.
-They haven't played a full series at Siebert Field since 2016, when the Gophers took two of three.
NEELS HITTING NUKES AS A FRESHMAN
-Freshman catcher Weber Neels has made a big impact as a true freshman this season. He leads the team and all Big Ten freshmen with five home runs, including two in one game March 18 vs. Houston. Neels hit the game-tying home run in the ninth last Friday at OSU in the team's 3-2 win.
-He's hitting .230 with 17 hits, four doubles and 13 RBI, all of which are the best among 'U' rookies.
MEZZENGA MAKING THE MOST OF OPPORTUNITIES
-A transfer from NIACC, Ike made his presence known in his first year as a Gopher, ranking third on Minnesota in average (.292), hits (33), and multi-hit games (9), second in RBI (15) and first in doubles (10). He also has two home runs.
-Ike has shown his versatility in the field, playing shortstop, first base, left field and right field.
ROONEY RUNNING THE TABLE IN THE BULLPEN
-Minnesota left-hander Noah Rooney has been on a team out of the bullpen. In his last seven outings, Rooney has gone 16.1 innings, striking out 11 and allowing just one earned run. His 3.24 ERA is the best of any Gophers bullpen member.
GOPHERS ATÂ SIEBERTÂ FIELD
-Minnesota is 61-45 when playing at Siebert Field in the last seven seasons.
-The 'U' went 2-8 in 2021, 13-7 in 2019, 12-2 in 2018, 10-9 2017, 16-7 in 2016 at Siebert Field.
-Minnesota went 7-11 at Siebert Field last season and is 2-2 at its home confines in 2023.
FIELDING BECOMING A TEAM STRENGTH
-Minnesota ranks fourth in the Big Ten with a .973 fielding percentage thus far. The Gophers lead the conference in assists (328) while making just 32 errors, which ranks fourth in the conference.
'U' LOOKING TO BUILD ON MID-WEEKS
-The Gophers got off the schneid three weeks back with wins over Northern Illinois (5-3) and South Dakota State (3-2). Minnesota trailed in both games early before coming from behind to take its first two victories of the season.
-The 'U' finished its U.S. Bank Stadium mid-week season with a 3-2 record, going 1-1 versus Gonzaga last week. Overall, Minnesota is 5-3 in mid-week games and 4-19 on weekends.
YOUTH MOVEMENT IN MINNEAPOLIS
-With an average age of just 19.9 years old, the Golden Gophers have the youngest roster in the Big Ten conference. Of the every day starters at the 'U', two are freshmen, three are sophomores, three are juniors and there's just one senior.
BIG TEN STANDINGS UPDATE
-Minnesota (3-3) is tied for seventh in the Big Ten through two weeks. The top eight teams will make the B1G tournament in Omaha from May 23-28.
UP NEXT
Minnesota hosts St. Thomas on Wednesday before going to Illinois for a series next weekend.
Minnesota vs. Iowa
First Pitch: 3 p.m. CT
Location: Minneapolis, Minn. (Siebert Field)
Minnesota Starter: LHP Tucker Novotny (0-4, 4.57 ERA, 41.1 IP, 38K)
Iowa Starter: RHP Brody Becht (3-1, 2.43 ERA, 40.2 IP, 66K)
TV:Â B1G+
Talent: Dom Dandrea (Play-By-Play), Rob Fornasiere (Analyst) and Kyra Schwanz (Sideline)
Friday, April 14
Minnesota vs. Iowa
First Pitch: 40 minutes after game one ends
Location: Minneapolis, Minn. (Siebert Field)
Minnesota Starter: RHP George Klassen (1-4, 4.70 ERA, 30.2 IP, 29K)
Iowa Starter: RHP Marcus Morgan (0-1, 5.67 ERA, 27.0 IP, 33K)
TV:Â B1G+
Talent: Dom Dandrea (Play-By-Play), Rob Fornasiere (Analyst) and Kyra Schwanz (Sideline)
Saturday, April 15 OR Sunday, April 16 (Decided on Friday)
Minnesota vs. Iowa
First Pitch: TBA
Location: Minneapolis, Minn. (Siebert Field)
Minnesota Starter: RHP Richie Holetz (2-2, 2.76 ERA, 42.1 IP, 38K)
Iowa Starter: RHP Ty Langenberg (3-2, 4.71 ERA, 36.1 IP, 43K)
TV:Â B1G+
Talent: Dom Dandrea (Play-By-Play), Rob Fornasiere (Analyst) and Blake Mortenson (Sideline)
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Golden Gophers (9-22, 3-3 Big Ten) are set to host their second straight Big Ten series when the Iowa Hawkeyes (23-8, 2-4 Big Ten) come to town for a three game series. Live stats will be available at GopherSports.com while B1G+ is set to provide streaming.Â
MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS
-Friday is a 'Maroon Out' with all fans encouraged to wear maroon to the game.
-Fans can purchase Gopher Baseball sunglasses ticket packages for $15.
-Friday's doubleheader is one ticket for both games (no re-entry).
LAST TIME OUT
-Minnesota took down NDSU, 12-9, in a game in which they trailed 4-0 and 9-6, rallying from two three-plus run deficits. The Gophers hit four home runs, with Riley Swenson hitting the game-winning three-run shot in the bottom of the seventh.
HISTORICAL NOTES
-The 'U' is in its 135th year in program history.
-John Anderson is in his 42nd year at the helm of Gopher Baseball, holding a 1,356-986-3 (.581) record. This includes a 607-403 (.603) B1G mark. Under his watch, the Gophers have won 11 B1G titles and hold 19 NCAA Tournament appearances.
-The winningest coach in Big Ten history, Anderson won his 600th conference game in April vs. Penn State. He's the only B1G coach to reach that mark.
-Anderson coached his 1,000th career B1G game last May against Indiana. He's the only coach in conference history to hit that mark.
SCOUTING IOWAÂ
-Iowa (22-8, 2-4 Big Ten) is led by 10th-year head coach Rick Heller. He holds 299 victories at the University of Iowa heading into this weekend.
-Last year, Iowa went 36-19 (17-7 Big Ten) and finished tied for second in the conference standings. They fell in the B1G Tournament semis to end the season.
-This year, UI is led by Preseason All-Americans Brody Becht  (RHP) and Keaton Anthony (RHP/DH).
-Becht is 3-1 with a 2.43 ERA as a Friday starter while Anthony is hitting .330 with six home runs and 25 RBI while holding a 4.26 ERA (2-0) on the mound.
-The Hawkeyes best win of the year came in a 12-4 defeat of then No. 1 LSU on Feb. 25 in Texas.
-They are 2-4 in Big Ten play, losing two of three to Maryland and Indiana.
SERIES HISTORYÂ
-Minnesota is 187-127 all-time against Iowa. The Gophers were swept last year in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes have won six straight in the series.
-The teams played three times in Minnesota in 2018, with the Gophers taking two games at Target Field and Iowa taking the finale at Siebert Field.
-They haven't played a full series at Siebert Field since 2016, when the Gophers took two of three.
NEELS HITTING NUKES AS A FRESHMAN
-Freshman catcher Weber Neels has made a big impact as a true freshman this season. He leads the team and all Big Ten freshmen with five home runs, including two in one game March 18 vs. Houston. Neels hit the game-tying home run in the ninth last Friday at OSU in the team's 3-2 win.
-He's hitting .230 with 17 hits, four doubles and 13 RBI, all of which are the best among 'U' rookies.
MEZZENGA MAKING THE MOST OF OPPORTUNITIES
-A transfer from NIACC, Ike made his presence known in his first year as a Gopher, ranking third on Minnesota in average (.292), hits (33), and multi-hit games (9), second in RBI (15) and first in doubles (10). He also has two home runs.
-Ike has shown his versatility in the field, playing shortstop, first base, left field and right field.
ROONEY RUNNING THE TABLE IN THE BULLPEN
-Minnesota left-hander Noah Rooney has been on a team out of the bullpen. In his last seven outings, Rooney has gone 16.1 innings, striking out 11 and allowing just one earned run. His 3.24 ERA is the best of any Gophers bullpen member.
GOPHERS ATÂ SIEBERTÂ FIELD
-Minnesota is 61-45 when playing at Siebert Field in the last seven seasons.
-The 'U' went 2-8 in 2021, 13-7 in 2019, 12-2 in 2018, 10-9 2017, 16-7 in 2016 at Siebert Field.
-Minnesota went 7-11 at Siebert Field last season and is 2-2 at its home confines in 2023.
FIELDING BECOMING A TEAM STRENGTH
-Minnesota ranks fourth in the Big Ten with a .973 fielding percentage thus far. The Gophers lead the conference in assists (328) while making just 32 errors, which ranks fourth in the conference.
'U' LOOKING TO BUILD ON MID-WEEKS
-The Gophers got off the schneid three weeks back with wins over Northern Illinois (5-3) and South Dakota State (3-2). Minnesota trailed in both games early before coming from behind to take its first two victories of the season.
-The 'U' finished its U.S. Bank Stadium mid-week season with a 3-2 record, going 1-1 versus Gonzaga last week. Overall, Minnesota is 5-3 in mid-week games and 4-19 on weekends.
YOUTH MOVEMENT IN MINNEAPOLIS
-With an average age of just 19.9 years old, the Golden Gophers have the youngest roster in the Big Ten conference. Of the every day starters at the 'U', two are freshmen, three are sophomores, three are juniors and there's just one senior.
BIG TEN STANDINGS UPDATE
-Minnesota (3-3) is tied for seventh in the Big Ten through two weeks. The top eight teams will make the B1G tournament in Omaha from May 23-28.
UP NEXT
Minnesota hosts St. Thomas on Wednesday before going to Illinois for a series next weekend.
Weber Neels Highlights
Wednesday, May 28
Gophers (11) - Michigan State (5) Highlights
Friday, May 16
Gophers (4) - Michigan State (3) Highlights
Thursday, May 15
Gopher Baseball Senior Salute
Monday, May 12