COLUMBUS, Ohio – The University of Iowa baseball team defeated Ohio State, 3-2, on Saturday afternoon at Nick Swisher Field at Bill Davis Stadium.

A quality start from Marcus Morgan lifted the Hawkeyes to victory in a low scoring pitcher’s duel. The Iowa City, Iowa, native threw six innings allowing just one run on three hits while striking out six.

“Our guys battled hard today,” said head coach Rick Heller. “Proud of the bounce back. Marcus Morgan gave us a great start. It was exactly what we needed.”

Iowa put two runs on the board in the third. After loading the bases Raider Tello reached on catcher’s interference, and Davis Cop hit a sacrifice fly. Ohio State responded with a solo home run in the bottom half.

Iowa added a run the seventh on an RBI fielder’s choice by Andy Nelson, and Ohio State again responded with a solo home run in the bottom half.

Iowa turned to Ben DeTaeye with one out and a runner on second in the eighth, a pair of flyouts ended the threat.

A walk, an error and a sacrifice bunt put the winning run on second base with just one out in the bottom of the ninth. DeTaeye worked through it getting a lineout and a popout to earn the save.

DeTaeye finished the game throwing 1 2/3 innings and did not allow a hit en route to his second save of the season. Anthony Watts threw 1 1/3 innings of relief for Iowa allowing just one run on two hits with two strikeouts.

“The ninth didn’t go the way you draw it up, but we got it done,” said Heller. “We had some luck go our way today when Linsey lined out to second. We will take it, for sure. Our guys battled hard.”

Gable Mitchell had a big game for the Hawkeyes going 3-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored. Tello and Cop were joined by Andy Nelson as Hawkeyes with an RBI in the contest.

“It was just enough by our offense,” said Heller. “Gabe Mitchell had a great day and we executed better than we have been lately.”

The Hawkeyes were 3-of-3 with runners on third with less than two outs and hit .400 (8-20) in advancement opportunities.

Iowa and Ohio state will close out the three-game series with the rubber match tomorrow beginning at 11 a.m. (CT).