Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score
NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Saint John's split a doubleheader at Carleton on Saturday, April 17, in Northfield. The Johnnies (14-13, 7-3 MIAC) allowed 12 runs in the fifth inning of game one's 15-8 loss, then re-grouped to win game two, 13-2.
SJU posted 14 extra-base hits on the day, including 12 doubles.
The Johnnies broke open a 2-1 lead with five runs in the top of the fifth inning in game one, before everything fell apart. Carleton (8-19, 4-6 MIAC) scored nine of its 12 runs with two outs, after the inning was prolonged due to an error.
Senior Matt Johnson (Eagan, Minn.) allowed six runs, four earned (three credited in the fifth inning), in the no-decision. Freshman Connor Cline (Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson) was saddled with the loss, allowing five runs (all team unearned). Seniors Andrew Aebly (Madison, Wis./Edgewood) and Aaron Hellem (Lincoln, Neb./Pius X) allowed two runs each in relief.
Senior outfielder Andrew Gurbada (Royalton, Minn.) went 2-for-3 with two RBI, including a double and his first collegiate home run. Senior first baseman Kyle Henkemeyer (Sauk Rapids, Minn./Sauk Rapids-Rice) and junior shortstop Matt Butorac (Maple Grove, Minn.) each went 2-for-4, as Butorac tallied two doubles.
Sophomore Hayden Zimmerman (New Richmond, Wis.) answered game one's demise with a complete-game victory in game two. He allowed two runs, both unearned, on seven hits with six strikeouts. The win improved his record to 6-1 on the season. He is now 3-0 with a 1.77 ERA in five MIAC appearances (20.1 innings). He has a .213 opponent batting average with 17 strikeouts and just four walks in conference play.
The Johnnies cracked eight doubles, including two from sophomore designated hitter Bert Marsnik (Annandale, Minn.) as part of his 3-for-4 game with three runs scored. Junior catcher Brian Skluzacek (Cold Spring, Minn./Rocori) went 2-for-3 with three RBI, a double and a triple. Butorac, senior second baseman Joe Eiden (Maple Grove, Minn./Totino-Grace) and freshman third baseman Max Forster (Minnetonka, Minn./Hopkins) all added two hits apiece.
SJU hits the road again Wednesday, April 21, at Saint Mary's. The doubleheader is set for 2:30 p.m. in Winona.
