IOWA CITY, Iowa — With snow falling in the bottom of the eighth inning, sophomore Grant Judkins hit a two-out RBI double down the left field line, sending the University of Iowa baseball 2-1 series-clinching victory over Ohio State on Sunday afternoon at Duane Banks Field.

“I was trying to put something in play and give us a chance to score,” said Judkins, whose early season has been hampered by a hamstring injury. “This is a crazy game and you just have to stay confident and locked in and be ready for when the opportunity comes.”

The victory gives the Hawkeyes their sixth straight Big Ten series win dating back to the 2017 season and moves Iowa’s record to 19-10 overall, 5-3 in league play.

The game was tied at one heading to the eighth when sophomore Kyle Crowl drew a two-out walk and sophomore Justin Jenkins followed with a single to left field.  Ohio State summoned closer Seth Kinker and Judkins went the other way, blooping a double down the left field line to give Iowa the lead.

The Hawkeyes struck first, scoring an unearned run in the second inning against starter Adam Niemeyer.  Senior Austin Guzzo was plunked to lead off the inning and Lorenzo Elion reached off a fielding error by the Buckeyes’ first baseman. Crowl delivered a sacrifice fly to center field, giving Iowa a 1-0 lead.

The Buckeyes tied the game in the fourth on a solo home run from Noah McGowan.  It was the only run surrendered by junior starter Cole McDonald.  The right-hander went six innings, scattered three hits and had a career-high eight strikeouts.

“Cole gave us a really good start,” said UI Head Coach Rick Heller. “It has been a progression with him and today was a really good sign. He pitched in a tough situation last weekend against Illinois, similar to this weekend and I thought he was the best he has been as a Hawkeye.”

Junior reliever Zach Daniels (4-1) allowed one hit and fanned three over the final three innings. He struck out three.  Ohio State’s Kyle Michalik (0-1) suffered the loss.