University of Minnesota Athletics
Saturday, March 20
6:00 PM
University of Minnesota
at
Northwestern
Players Mentioned
OF/LHP
/ Baseball
OF
/ Baseball
LHP
/ Baseball
OF
/ Baseball
RHP/1B
/ Baseball
C
/ Baseball
RHP
/ Baseball
IF
/ Baseball
LHP
/ Baseball
INF
/ Baseball
INF
/ Baseball
INF
/ Baseball
C
/ Baseball
RHP
/ Baseball
INF
/ Baseball
OF
/ Baseball
Minnesota Welcomes Northwestern for Three-Game Series
3/19/2021 10:13:00 AM | Baseball
Saturday, March 20
Minnesota vs. Northwestern (H)
First Pitch: 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium
Minnesota Starter: RHP Sam Ireland (0-1, 3.09 ERA)
Northwestern Starter: RHP Mike Doherty (1-0, 2.70 ERA)
Watch: BTN+
Sunday, March 21
Minnesota vs. Northwestern (H)
First Pitch: 1:00 p.m. CT
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium
Minnesota Starter: LHP Jack Liffrig (1-1, 6.75 ERA)
Northwestern Starter: RHP Tyler Uberstine (1-1, 4.50 ERA)
Watch: BTN+
Monday, March 22
Minnesota vs. Northwestern (H)
First Pitch: 12:00 p.m. CT
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium
Minnesota Starter: TBD
Northwestern Starter: RHP Jack Dyke (2-2, 7.20 ERA)
Watch: BTN+
Minnesota returns to the diamond for their final series of 2021 at U.S. Bank Stadium this weekend, as the Gophers will play Northwestern in a three-game set spanning from Saturday to Monday. Despite the fact that all three games will take place at USBS, the Maroon & Gold will be the away team for the entirety of the series, as the matchups were originally scheduled to be played in Evanston, Ill.
SERIES HISTORY
The Gophers and Wildcats have gone head-to-head a grand total of 248 times in the history of the two programs, with Minnesota commanding a significant 168-80 (.677) advantage in the all-time series. Most recently, Minnesota and Northwestern faced off for a three-game set in Evanston back in 2019, with the Maroon & Gold claiming two of out three to take the series. That series victory featured wins in the first and third games for Minnesota.
LAST TIME OUT
Last weekend, the Gophers hosted Illinois in a four-game series at U.S. Bank Stadium, with the Illini claiming three-of-four. Illinois won the first three games of the series, before Minnesota rallied on Sunday to take the fourth and final game. Starting pitcher Jack Liffrig earned Minnesota's lone win in the series, earning his first career victory on 5 2/3 innings of three-run ball. Zack Raabe and Jack Wassel hit back-to-back home runs in the fifth inning to help secure the win for the Maroon & Gold.
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
Northwestern comes into this weekend's matchup sporting a 5-3 record on the season. In the opening weekend of the 2021 campaign, Northwestern made their first trip to U.S. Bank Stadium for a four-game series against Penn State. After splitting with the Nittany Lions and going 2-2 to open the year, Northwestern went 3-1 at home against Michigan State last weekend. Through eight games, Northwestern leads the Big Ten with a .301 team batting average while the Wildcat pitching staff has produced a 4.91 ERA.
AN ALL-AMERICAN START
Entering the season as a Preseason Second Team All-American after leading the nation with 31 hits in 2020, Raabe has established himself as arguably the nation's top offensive performer through the first two weeks of the 2021 season. Heading into the Northwestern series, Raabe is slashing .571/.667/1.381 with four home runs, one triple, three doubles, six RBI and six runs scored. Raabe currently leads the nation in slugging percentage, while also ranking among the top hitters in the country in batting average (fifth) and on-base percentage (tied fourth). Meanwhile, the junior leads all Big Ten hitters in those three categories, in addition to being third in the conference in home runs and holding status as the Big Ten's most difficult hitter to strike out with one strikeout in 21 at bats.
LIFFRIG EARNS FIRST VICTORY WITH FAMILIAR FACES IN THE FIELD
In his second career start, Liffrig earned his first-ever victory by throwing 5 2/3 innings of three-run ball with eight hits, two walks and three strikeouts. Liffrig accomplished the feat with former high school teammates, Sam Ireland and Drew Stahl, playing in the field behind him. The trio previously won the 2018 Colorado Class 5A State Championship together at Mountain Vista High School.
IRELAND ALL ACES
Serving as Minnesota's Friday night starter through the first two weekends of the season, the right-handed Ireland delivered the best outing of his young career against Illinois on March 14. Ireland lasted a career-high 7 1/3 innings on the hill with just one run allowed, scattering five hits and two walks while striking out three. The dominant performance lowered Ireland's season ERA to 3.09, a mark he will take into game one against Northwestern this Saturday.
TWO-WAY TALENT
On top of producing a 1.23 ERA last weekend, Ireland also batted .429 with one double, two runs scored and one RBI. Ireland figures to see plenty of innings at designated hitter and in the outfield this season in addition to his work on the mound.
GOING STREAKING
Going into Saturday, Raabe owns an active 17-game on-base streak to pair with a 13-game hitting streak. Both streaks date back to the 2020 season. Meanwhile, freshman infielder Boston Merila has successfully reached base in six consecutive games to open his collegiate career.
IRON MEN
So far this season, Wassel and junior catcher Chase Stanke are the lone Gophers to start all eight games for Minnesota. In particular, Wassel has played in all 82 games for Minnesota dating back to the 2019 season, starting 81 of them.
BATS WAKING UP
Although the Minnesota offense has gotten off to a relatively slow start to open 2021, the Gophers scored five runs on 12 hits in the series finale against Illinois. The Maroon & Gold's 21 total bases marked their second-highest total of the season, while the team's two home runs – Raabe and Wassel went back-to-back in the fifth inning – tied a season high as well.
JOHN ANDERSON'S 40TH SEASON
The 2021 Gopher Baseball campaign marks head coach John Anderson's 40th season at the helm of the program. Having been hired in the fall of 1981, Anderson boasts 1,327 wins, 19 NCAA postseason appearances, 11 regular season Big Ten Championships, 10 Big Ten Tournament titles and eight Big Ten Coach of the Year awards. At present, Anderson ranks second in wins among active Division I head baseball coaches and 22nd all-time in the history of the sport.
STANKE NAMED TO BUSTER POSEY AWARD WATCH LIST
Stanke was named to the 2021 Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award Watch List on Tuesday. Stanke came into the campaign on the heels of a breakout summer in the Northwoods League, where he batted .310/.360/.470 with three home runs, 22 RBI and 14 runs across 100 at bats. As a result, Stanke was named a 2020 Northwoods League Postseason All-Star. So far in 2021, Stanke owns a .240/.367/.280 batting line with one double, three RBI and two runs scored while producing a .972 fielding percentage on the defensive end.
2020 IN REVIEW
Minnesota concluded the 2020 season with an 8-10 overall record, ending the year on a two-game winning streak. The Gophers notched signature victories against Oregon, Arizona, TCU, North Carolina and Creighton before the season was cancelled on Friday, March 13 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota posted a 6-8 record at home while playing at U.S. Bank Stadium and went 2-2 in neutral site games.
PRESEASON ACCOLADES
Raabe comes into the season as a Preseason Second Team All-American (Collegiate Baseball) after earning 2020 Second Team All-American honors. Raabe was also ranked by D1Baseball as the preseason No. 4 second baseman in the nation, while redshirt senior Wassel was tabbed as the preseason No. 6 third baseman in the country. Wassel was also named to the 2021 Bobby Bragan Collegiate Slugger Award Watch List.
B1G DOMINANCE
Minnesota continues to dominate the Big Ten as it relates to NCAA Tournament appearances and offensive production. Minnesota's 32 NCAA Tournament Appearances rank first in the conference and are eight more than the next closest school (Michigan). As for the offense, 2020 marked the fourth time in the last five years that the Gophers led the B1G in both hits and total bases (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020). The Gophers are the only team in the B1G in the last 30 years to have led the conference in hitting for three straight seasons and have had more unique players hit .300 (18) than any other team dating back to 2016.
B1G BATS BACK
After leading the Big Ten in hits and total bases again in 2020, Minnesota returns all six of the team's .300 hitters from last season. Raabe (.463), Otto Grimm (.400), Wassel (.364), Andrew Wilhite (.320), Ireland (.303) and Easton Bertrand (.302) all return for the Gophers and figure to receive regular at bats for the team. In total, Minnesota returns seven positional starters from last season, with shortstop being the only position to see turnover.
NEW TO THE U
Minnesota welcomes six new players to the fold for the 2021 campaign, including five freshmen: outfielder Brett Bateman, left-handed pitcher Noah DeLuga, catcher Cody Kelly, right-hander pitcher George Klassen and infielder Merila. Redshirt senior left-handed pitcher Tom Skoro also joins the Maroon & Gold after transferring in from Mizzou.
FAMILIAR FACES
Coupled with the newcomers are 31 returners to Minnesota's 2021 dugout, including positional starters at every position but shortstop.
KEY DEPARTURES
In addition to losing third overall pick Max Meyer to the MLB Draft, Minnesota also bid farewell to redshirt senior Jordan Kozicky (graduation) and junior right-handed pitcher Sam Thoresen (free agent signee) on the heels of last season. Aside from those three players, Minnesota returns their entire 2020 roster.
BACK AT U.S. BANK STADIUM
After being away from their second home for the entirety of 2019 due to the NCAA Basketball Tournament, Minnesota returned to U.S. Bank Stadium to play 14 games in 2020. Minnesota went 6-8 at USBS during that time, including wins over TCU, North Carolina, Utah and Creighton (two). With a 2-6 mark at USBS to open the 2021 season, Minnesota is a combined 16-19 at USBS dating back to 2019.
UP NEXT
Following this weekend's trio of games against Northwestern, the Gophers will take to the road for their first series away from U.S. Bank Stadium this season. Minnesota is set to take on Nebraska in a four-game series in Lincoln, Neb. from March 26-28.
Minnesota vs. Northwestern (H)
First Pitch: 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium
Minnesota Starter: RHP Sam Ireland (0-1, 3.09 ERA)
Northwestern Starter: RHP Mike Doherty (1-0, 2.70 ERA)
Watch: BTN+
Sunday, March 21
Minnesota vs. Northwestern (H)
First Pitch: 1:00 p.m. CT
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium
Minnesota Starter: LHP Jack Liffrig (1-1, 6.75 ERA)
Northwestern Starter: RHP Tyler Uberstine (1-1, 4.50 ERA)
Watch: BTN+
Monday, March 22
Minnesota vs. Northwestern (H)
First Pitch: 12:00 p.m. CT
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium
Minnesota Starter: TBD
Northwestern Starter: RHP Jack Dyke (2-2, 7.20 ERA)
Watch: BTN+
Minnesota returns to the diamond for their final series of 2021 at U.S. Bank Stadium this weekend, as the Gophers will play Northwestern in a three-game set spanning from Saturday to Monday. Despite the fact that all three games will take place at USBS, the Maroon & Gold will be the away team for the entirety of the series, as the matchups were originally scheduled to be played in Evanston, Ill.
SERIES HISTORY
The Gophers and Wildcats have gone head-to-head a grand total of 248 times in the history of the two programs, with Minnesota commanding a significant 168-80 (.677) advantage in the all-time series. Most recently, Minnesota and Northwestern faced off for a three-game set in Evanston back in 2019, with the Maroon & Gold claiming two of out three to take the series. That series victory featured wins in the first and third games for Minnesota.
LAST TIME OUT
Last weekend, the Gophers hosted Illinois in a four-game series at U.S. Bank Stadium, with the Illini claiming three-of-four. Illinois won the first three games of the series, before Minnesota rallied on Sunday to take the fourth and final game. Starting pitcher Jack Liffrig earned Minnesota's lone win in the series, earning his first career victory on 5 2/3 innings of three-run ball. Zack Raabe and Jack Wassel hit back-to-back home runs in the fifth inning to help secure the win for the Maroon & Gold.
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
Northwestern comes into this weekend's matchup sporting a 5-3 record on the season. In the opening weekend of the 2021 campaign, Northwestern made their first trip to U.S. Bank Stadium for a four-game series against Penn State. After splitting with the Nittany Lions and going 2-2 to open the year, Northwestern went 3-1 at home against Michigan State last weekend. Through eight games, Northwestern leads the Big Ten with a .301 team batting average while the Wildcat pitching staff has produced a 4.91 ERA.
AN ALL-AMERICAN START
Entering the season as a Preseason Second Team All-American after leading the nation with 31 hits in 2020, Raabe has established himself as arguably the nation's top offensive performer through the first two weeks of the 2021 season. Heading into the Northwestern series, Raabe is slashing .571/.667/1.381 with four home runs, one triple, three doubles, six RBI and six runs scored. Raabe currently leads the nation in slugging percentage, while also ranking among the top hitters in the country in batting average (fifth) and on-base percentage (tied fourth). Meanwhile, the junior leads all Big Ten hitters in those three categories, in addition to being third in the conference in home runs and holding status as the Big Ten's most difficult hitter to strike out with one strikeout in 21 at bats.
LIFFRIG EARNS FIRST VICTORY WITH FAMILIAR FACES IN THE FIELD
In his second career start, Liffrig earned his first-ever victory by throwing 5 2/3 innings of three-run ball with eight hits, two walks and three strikeouts. Liffrig accomplished the feat with former high school teammates, Sam Ireland and Drew Stahl, playing in the field behind him. The trio previously won the 2018 Colorado Class 5A State Championship together at Mountain Vista High School.
IRELAND ALL ACES
Serving as Minnesota's Friday night starter through the first two weekends of the season, the right-handed Ireland delivered the best outing of his young career against Illinois on March 14. Ireland lasted a career-high 7 1/3 innings on the hill with just one run allowed, scattering five hits and two walks while striking out three. The dominant performance lowered Ireland's season ERA to 3.09, a mark he will take into game one against Northwestern this Saturday.
TWO-WAY TALENT
On top of producing a 1.23 ERA last weekend, Ireland also batted .429 with one double, two runs scored and one RBI. Ireland figures to see plenty of innings at designated hitter and in the outfield this season in addition to his work on the mound.
GOING STREAKING
Going into Saturday, Raabe owns an active 17-game on-base streak to pair with a 13-game hitting streak. Both streaks date back to the 2020 season. Meanwhile, freshman infielder Boston Merila has successfully reached base in six consecutive games to open his collegiate career.
IRON MEN
So far this season, Wassel and junior catcher Chase Stanke are the lone Gophers to start all eight games for Minnesota. In particular, Wassel has played in all 82 games for Minnesota dating back to the 2019 season, starting 81 of them.
BATS WAKING UP
Although the Minnesota offense has gotten off to a relatively slow start to open 2021, the Gophers scored five runs on 12 hits in the series finale against Illinois. The Maroon & Gold's 21 total bases marked their second-highest total of the season, while the team's two home runs – Raabe and Wassel went back-to-back in the fifth inning – tied a season high as well.
JOHN ANDERSON'S 40TH SEASON
The 2021 Gopher Baseball campaign marks head coach John Anderson's 40th season at the helm of the program. Having been hired in the fall of 1981, Anderson boasts 1,327 wins, 19 NCAA postseason appearances, 11 regular season Big Ten Championships, 10 Big Ten Tournament titles and eight Big Ten Coach of the Year awards. At present, Anderson ranks second in wins among active Division I head baseball coaches and 22nd all-time in the history of the sport.
STANKE NAMED TO BUSTER POSEY AWARD WATCH LIST
Stanke was named to the 2021 Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award Watch List on Tuesday. Stanke came into the campaign on the heels of a breakout summer in the Northwoods League, where he batted .310/.360/.470 with three home runs, 22 RBI and 14 runs across 100 at bats. As a result, Stanke was named a 2020 Northwoods League Postseason All-Star. So far in 2021, Stanke owns a .240/.367/.280 batting line with one double, three RBI and two runs scored while producing a .972 fielding percentage on the defensive end.
2020 IN REVIEW
Minnesota concluded the 2020 season with an 8-10 overall record, ending the year on a two-game winning streak. The Gophers notched signature victories against Oregon, Arizona, TCU, North Carolina and Creighton before the season was cancelled on Friday, March 13 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota posted a 6-8 record at home while playing at U.S. Bank Stadium and went 2-2 in neutral site games.
PRESEASON ACCOLADES
Raabe comes into the season as a Preseason Second Team All-American (Collegiate Baseball) after earning 2020 Second Team All-American honors. Raabe was also ranked by D1Baseball as the preseason No. 4 second baseman in the nation, while redshirt senior Wassel was tabbed as the preseason No. 6 third baseman in the country. Wassel was also named to the 2021 Bobby Bragan Collegiate Slugger Award Watch List.
B1G DOMINANCE
Minnesota continues to dominate the Big Ten as it relates to NCAA Tournament appearances and offensive production. Minnesota's 32 NCAA Tournament Appearances rank first in the conference and are eight more than the next closest school (Michigan). As for the offense, 2020 marked the fourth time in the last five years that the Gophers led the B1G in both hits and total bases (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020). The Gophers are the only team in the B1G in the last 30 years to have led the conference in hitting for three straight seasons and have had more unique players hit .300 (18) than any other team dating back to 2016.
B1G BATS BACK
After leading the Big Ten in hits and total bases again in 2020, Minnesota returns all six of the team's .300 hitters from last season. Raabe (.463), Otto Grimm (.400), Wassel (.364), Andrew Wilhite (.320), Ireland (.303) and Easton Bertrand (.302) all return for the Gophers and figure to receive regular at bats for the team. In total, Minnesota returns seven positional starters from last season, with shortstop being the only position to see turnover.
NEW TO THE U
Minnesota welcomes six new players to the fold for the 2021 campaign, including five freshmen: outfielder Brett Bateman, left-handed pitcher Noah DeLuga, catcher Cody Kelly, right-hander pitcher George Klassen and infielder Merila. Redshirt senior left-handed pitcher Tom Skoro also joins the Maroon & Gold after transferring in from Mizzou.
FAMILIAR FACES
Coupled with the newcomers are 31 returners to Minnesota's 2021 dugout, including positional starters at every position but shortstop.
KEY DEPARTURES
In addition to losing third overall pick Max Meyer to the MLB Draft, Minnesota also bid farewell to redshirt senior Jordan Kozicky (graduation) and junior right-handed pitcher Sam Thoresen (free agent signee) on the heels of last season. Aside from those three players, Minnesota returns their entire 2020 roster.
BACK AT U.S. BANK STADIUM
After being away from their second home for the entirety of 2019 due to the NCAA Basketball Tournament, Minnesota returned to U.S. Bank Stadium to play 14 games in 2020. Minnesota went 6-8 at USBS during that time, including wins over TCU, North Carolina, Utah and Creighton (two). With a 2-6 mark at USBS to open the 2021 season, Minnesota is a combined 16-19 at USBS dating back to 2019.
UP NEXT
Following this weekend's trio of games against Northwestern, the Gophers will take to the road for their first series away from U.S. Bank Stadium this season. Minnesota is set to take on Nebraska in a four-game series in Lincoln, Neb. from March 26-28.
Follow Minnesota Baseball
Support Minnesota Baseball
Support the University of Minnesota Baseball program. Your support helps our student-athletes succeed athletically, academically, and socially. It takes just seconds to make a monthly or one-time donation. Thank you for your support! Give Now
First Practice of Fall
Thursday, September 18
Weber Neels Highlights
Wednesday, May 28
Gophers (11) - Michigan State (5) Highlights
Friday, May 16
Gophers (4) - Michigan State (3) Highlights
Thursday, May 15