Fans Embracing Hawkeyes’ Record Season

IOWA CITY - A gloomy and chilly May afternoon didn't stop Iowa fans from cheering on another Hawkeye win in what has been a record season for No. 15 Iowa.

Iowa (37-12, 17-3 Big Ten) finished its sweep of Minnesota (19-29, 7-13) with a 7-1 victory Sunday in front of a crowd of about 1,224 fans, winning its 11th-straight series.

Last season, Iowa was lucky to get 1,000 fans into the stadium when the sun was shining.

Sunday's win marked the Hawkeyes' ninth straight at home, and the 12th of their last 13. Overall, the Hawks are 17-3 at Duane Banks Field.

Senior second baseman and team captain, Jake Mangler, said the team's dominance at home is, in part, thanks to the overwhelming support of fans.

'It's awesome to be able to have them here and support us,” Mangler said. 'There have been times (in years past) where we have played well and only had like 100 people in the stands. So to have this many people here is great to see, and I think it's been a lot of fun for them too.”

'We really appreciate it; having all of this support from the best fans in college baseball,” junior shortstop Nick Roscetti said. 'It's really fun to play in front of crowds like this and with the energy they bring it really helps us play harder.”

Among the fans is the father of Jake Mangler, Todd Mangler, who hasn't missed a home game in four years. He says a new team mentality is what has fans coming this year.

'They're letting the boys play. I've coached baseball and I can tell you, this coach is letting the boys play,” he said. 'Coach Heller lets them do their job and they're having fun - which is what baseball is all about - having fun.

'People love seeing them having fun. Plus, they're winning and when you win in a sport people will come watch you.”

Iowa continued to enjoy themselves Sunday, downing Minnesota for the third consecutive game.

Junior Calvin Matthews got the start and his fifth win for Iowa, allowing one run while working into the sixth inning.

Senior center fielder Eric Toole - who became the team's all-time career singles leader Friday - went hitless but co-led the team with two RBIs. Mangler hit a two-run double to deep right center in the second, and junior catcher Daniel Aaron Moriel homered in the sixth - his first of the year.

Next up for the Hawkeyes is a weekend series at Rutgers (17-33, 5-15). Following that series, Iowa will take part in the Big Ten Tournament May 20-24 in Minneapolis. Iowa clinched at least the number two seed, but still have a shot at No. 1. Iowa trails Illinois (42-6, 18-1) - on a 24-game winning streak - by 1.5 games with three to play. The Illini wrap up their Big Ten season with three games against Nebraska (34-17, 9-10).

The NCAA Regionals, which Iowa has applied to host, begin May 29.

Iowa Coach Rick Heller says one game at a time.

'There is nothing we can do about what Illinois does,” Heller said. 'But if something happens, they waver or somebody knocks them off, let's make sure we're taking care of our business and we'll be there if that happens.”