IOWA CITY, Iowa (Interstat) — The Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers 5-4 in a back-and-forth Big Ten baseball game Sunday evening at Duane Banks Field, clinching the weekend series.

Iowa built a 3-0 lead early against Minnesota starter Marcus Kruzan, keyed by a two-run first inning and a Caleb Wulf sacrifice fly. Minnesota’s Easton Richter cut the deficit with a solo homer in the sixth.

The Hawkeyes rallied in the seventh. After Sam Nerat’s RBI single tied the game, Nerat stole second, and a subsequent double steal allowed courtesy runner Jack Risley to steal home for the decisive run.

Minnesota’s Charlie Sutherland hit a three-run homer in the ninth, but it only closed the final margin. Iowa starter Logan Runde earned the win, allowing one run over seven strong innings. The Hawkeyes improved to 15-12, while the Golden Gophers fell to 18-13.