Air Force lost a close game to Iowa, 4-3, on Saturday evening at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Falcons recorded eight hits and their pitchers combined for seven strikeouts in the matchup.
Freshman Wyatt Hanoian had a strong performance in his second collegiate game, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Shortstop Ben Niednagel contributed two hits and drove in Air Force’s other run.
On the pitching side, freshman Josh Holst made his debut as the starting pitcher. He threw 5.1 innings, struck out five batters, and allowed one run. Bowen Brantingham pitched 1.1 innings in relief but was charged with the loss after giving up three runs. Easton Miller finished the game with 2.1 scoreless innings and one strikeout.
Holst started strong by recording his first career strikeout in the opening inning. In the bottom of the first inning, Tripp Garrish and Hanoian reached scoring position for Air Force but were left stranded after a strikeout.
Iowa scored first with a sacrifice fly in the top of the second inning to take a 1-0 lead.
Air Force responded in the bottom of that inning by taking a 2-1 lead. Luke Elmore singled to start things off and advanced on a ground out by Niednagel. Singles from T.J. Oster and Hanoian brought home Elmore and Oster for two runs.
The Falcons’ defense retired Iowa in order during the third inning.
After four scoreless innings, Iowa scored three runs to regain control of the game.
In their final effort, Air Force closed the gap to one run at 4-3 when Elmore and pinch hitter Dawson Thrush drew consecutive walks with two outs before Niednagel hit an RBI double to right center field.
Despite late efforts, Air Force could not tie the game.
Air Force will play again at Salt River Fields against UConn on Sunday at 6 p.m. Mountain Time.
UConn has lost its first two games at the MLB Desert Invitational against Nebraska (12-2) and Kansas State (7-3).
