Michigan Takes Minnesota Series with Shutout Win

Sunday, April 7

Ann Arbor, Mich.

1:00 PM

Michigan

22-8, 4-1

Minnesota

13-16, 6-3

Minnesota

Michigan

Jeff Criswell

4/7/2019 5:15:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

By: Kurt Svoboda

» Michigan hit three home runs and turned three double plays.
» Jeff Criswell struck out eight batters in 6.2 scoreless innings.
» Jimmy Kerr hit a home run over the scoreboard and off the roof of the indoor training center.

Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Wilpon Complex)
Score: Michigan 8, Minnesota 0
Records: U-M (22-8, 4-1 B1G), Minnesota (13-16, 6-3 B1G)
Next U-M Event: Tuesday, April 9 -- vs. Indiana State (Wilpon Complex), 5 p.m.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan baseball team hit three home runs and turned three double plays Sunday (April 7) as the Wolverines defeated visiting Minnesota, 8-0, at the Wilpon Complex, home of Ray Fisher Stadium.

With the win Michigan (22-8, 4-1 B1G) took two out of three games in a series pitting two of the preseason Big Ten Conference favorites against each other. Minnesota falls to 6-3 in conference play and 13-16 overall with the loss.

Following a scoreless top of the first inning, Michigan's second hitter, sophomore center fielder Jesse Franklin launched a solo home run to right field -- a shot that came off his bat at nearly 110 mph.

Senior first baseman Jimmy Kerr sent the first pitch he saw high over the scoreboard in right field and off the roof of the indoor training center for a 2-0 lead in the second inning.

Minnesota loaded the bases without the benefit of a hit in the top of the fourth but U-M sophomore starter Jeff Criswell responded with a three-pitch strikeout and a 5-4-3 double play ball to end the threat.

The momentum carried to the bottom of the inning when sophomore designated hitter Jordan Nwogu lifted a long RBI double to the gap in right-center to score sophomore catcher Joe Donovan, who led off with an infield single.

Sophomore shortstop Jack Blomgren provided Michigan's third home run of the game in the fifth inning when he lofted an opposite-field shot to right to score Kerr (walk) for a 5-0 lead. The Wolverines then loaded the bases with walks and another free pass to junior right-fielder Jordan Brewer brought home the sixth run.

Franklin made it 7-0 with his sacrifice fly in the seventh to plate Donovan, who led off the frame with a sharp single to left.

Criswell improved to 2-1 on the season with a gritty outing. The right-hander threw 6.2 scoreless innings in which he did not allow a hit after the third inning while striking out eight batters. Sophomore lefty Angelo Smith and junior righty Jack Weisenburger combined to strike out four batters over the final 2.1 innings to preserve the shutout.

Brewer, Kerr and Donovan had two hits apiece while Franklin, Kerr and Blomgren all had two RBI.

Michigan will return to the Wilpon Complex on Tuesday (April 9) and Wednesday (April 10) with a pair of 5 p.m. games against Indiana State, which entered play on Sunday with a 23-5 overall record.