Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score
DECORAH, Iowa – Saint John's allowed one earned run the entire day and split a doubleheader at Luther (Iowa) on Tuesday, March 29. The Johnnies dropped a 1-0 decision in the first game before scoring three runs in the top of the seventh to win game two, 5-3.
The Johnnies (6-5, 0-0 MIAC) mustered only one hit, an infield single from sophomore Max Forster (Minnetonka, Minn./Hopkins), and committed three errors to squash solid pitching performances from senior Brett Kramer (Baxter, Minn./Brainerd) and Forster.
Kramer allowed one run, unearned, on three hits with seven strikeouts in four innings of work to record the loss (1-2). Forster allowed two hits and struck out three in two innings of scoreless relief.
Alex Byom was a bit better for Luther (13-4, 3-0 IIAC), pitching the complete-game shutout with eight strikeouts. He retired the final 12 batters.
SJU jumped out to a 2-0 in game two thanks to back-to-back RBI doubles from senior Matt Butorac (Maple Grove, Minn.) and Kramer. Butorac is now one double away from tying Jed Riegelman (2001-04) for the SJU record of 34 career doubles.
The Norse cut the deficit to 2-1 with a run in the bottom of the first and took the lead with two runs in the third. Both runs off junior Hayden Zimmerman (New Richmond, Wis.) in the third were earned.
With one out in the top of the seventh, Forster took first after getting hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Senior Matt Boys (Eden Prairie, Minn./Minnetonka) hit a groundball to the right side where it was fielded by the first baseman. He threw to the pitcher covering first to get the out before Boys collided with him down the line. Heads-up base-running by Forster enabled him to score on the play and tie the game. Sophomore Charlie Perrine (Edina, Minn./Benilde-St. Margaret's) then singled thru the left side and sophomore Alex Powell (Hopkins, Minn.) and senior Eric Smith (Rogers, Minn.) tallied back-to-back walks to load the bases with two outs. Senior Brian Skluzacek (Cold Spring, Minn./Rocori) followed with a two-run double to right-centerfield.
Sophomore Connor Cline (Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson) recorded a 1-2-3 seventh to earn his second victory of the season and give SJU a split. Cline allowed two hits and struck out five in three innings of relief to lower his season ERA to 1.15 in 15.2 innings. Zimmerman allowed three runs, one earned, off five hits with three strikeouts in four innings.
The SJU pitching staff combined for 18 strikeouts and one walk on the afternoon.
The Johnnies are scheduled to begin MIAC play, weather permitting, this Saturday, April 2, at Bethel. The doubleheader is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Hargis Park in Arden Hills.
