Michigan defeats Iowa in Big Ten Tournament opener

Michigan baseball’s trip to Omaha for the 2024 Big Ten Tournament got off to a solid start on Wednesday afternoon, as the Wolverines came away with a 3-2 victory over Iowa.

Earlier this season, Michigan took two of three games against Iowa during a weekend series in Iowa City, but the Wolverines were facing a tall task by squaring off against star pitcher Brody Brecht. Michigan countered with its ace in Kurt Barr.

After a scoreless first inning, it was Iowa that got on the scoreboard in the second inning, as infielder Michael Seegers smashed a double that drove in a run. The Hawkeyes were quickly up 1-0.

From then on, both pitchers really showed what they could do. Barr shined for the next four innings and would finish the day after 6.1 innings, allowing only six hits. Brecht, on the other hand, was pitching a shutout until the sixth inning. That’s when Michigan got on the board courtesy of a wild pitch and throwing error, which allowed Stephen Hrustich and Collin Priest to score.

Heading into the seventh inning, Michigan held a 2-1 lead, but Iowa was able to even the score courtesy of a Ben Wilmes RBI double. That would be the end of the day for Barr, who gave way to Jacob Denner the rest of the way.

With neither team able to score again through nine innings of play, the game went to extras. Iowa threatened to score in the top of the 10th inning, but Michigan’s defense executed a perfect relay to nab Iowa’s Raider Tello at the plate to end the inning.

Michigan’s offense was then able to get to work. The Wolverines were able to load the bases against Iowa’s Jack Young on a Jonathan Kim single, and walks from Priest and Hrustich. Michigan then won the game on a walk-off walk from Mitch Voit.