University of Minnesota Athletics
Baseball Knocks off No. 9 Nebraska 5-3
3/20/2002 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Nebraska freshman lefthander Brian Duensing went toe to toe with Molldrem, keeping Minnesota at bay for most of the game. The Maroon and Gold offense battled for five hits through the first seven innings - nearly all with two outs; but broke down the gates in the eighth.
Trailing 1-0 with one out in the eighth inning, Pattee launched a triple into the right-center field gap - Minnesota's first extra base hit in the series - scoring freshman Sam Steidl from first. Junior Luke Appert drew a four-pitch walk to put runners on the corners, then senior Jason Kennedy lined a 3-2 pitch just over Appert's head into right field, giving the Golden Gophers the lead at 2-1.
Kennedy stole second and forced an intentional walk to senior Scott Howard to load the bases. Sophomore Jason Burch, who mowed down Minnesota in the ninth Tuesday, came on to try to end the Golden Gopher rally, but Roach lasered his second triple of the season down into the right field corner, clearing the bases and putting Minnesota ahead 5-1. The Huskers used five pitchers to end the Golden Gopher inning.
Nebraska did not go without a fight, however. The Huskers beared down for back-to-back-to-back two-out hits, narrowing Minnesota's lead to 5-3, and sending the tying runner to the plate.
Molldrem, who came on looking for his first career-complete game, stepped aside for freshman Tim Theis. Theis got Jeff Leise to ground out to senior Rob LaRue at first base to end the game, and secure the Minnesota victory. Molldrem improved to 2-1 on the year, while Theis collected his first collegiate save.
Minnesota (5-10) will travel to Nebraska April 10 to finish the three-game series with the Huskers.
The Golden Gophers play host to Central Michigan (9-3) this weekend at the HHH Metrodome for a four-game series. It will be the last weekend stand before opening the Big Ten schedule March 29-31. For complete game, statistic and schedule information, log onto www.GopherSports.com.
