Iowa Baseball: Back “Home” to Des Moines

My mom had more sayings than Aesop. One of her most repeated sayings was “all good things come to an end.” Well, Mom, yes and no. The Hawks’ streak of dominating the B1G ended in Seattle, as Iowa went 1-2 versus the Washington Huskies. However, Reece Beuter went all Superman on the cold-weather puppies, and the Hawks can confidently come back to the state of Iowa for a tremendous challenge and opportunity against the #10 Oregon State Beavers in Des Moines.

Game 1 – Missed Opportunities

Washington 4, Iowa 3

Despite holding Washington to a .115 batting average, Iowa couldn’t take advantage offensively, batting just .219 and leaving seven runners on base. A solid pitching effort kept it close, but the Hawkeyes came up short in the series opener.

Game 2 – Offensive Struggles Continue

Washington 3, Iowa 1

Iowa dropped its first conference series of the season after a tough night at the plate—going just 1-for-20 with runners on base and 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position. Aaron Savary delivered a strong start with 10 strikeouts, but a ninth-inning walk-off sealed the loss.

Game 3 – Strong Finish

Iowa 8, Washington 0

Iowa bounced back in dominant fashion, shutting out Washington in the series finale. Reece Beuter threw seven scoreless innings, and the offense came alive with contributions throughout the lineup. The Hawkeyes showed resilience and ended the weekend on a high note.

Team Comparison

Batting

• Iowa: Team batting average of .307, with 62 home runs and a slugging percentage of .497.
• Oregon State: Slightly lower team average of .288, but more home runs (73) and a higher slugging percentage of .493.

Edge: Even — Iowa is more consistent overall; Oregon State packs more power.

Pitching

• Iowa: Team ERA of 3.59, holding opponents to a .209 average.
• Oregon State: Slightly higher ERA at 4.56, opponents hitting .234 off them.

Edge: Iowa — stronger top-to-bottom pitching and better opponent suppression.

Fielding

• Iowa: Fielding percentage of .972, with 39 double plays.
• Oregon State: Nearly identical .982 fielding percentage, with 37 double plays.

Edge: Oregon State — tighter defense with fewer errors despite more games played.

Iowa Hawkeyes Standouts

1. Gable Mitchell (SS)
2. Batting .347 with 39 RBIs and 17 doubles. A consistent leadoff threat and defensive anchor. And yes, if you are wondering, Gable is the grandson of Iowa legend Dan Gable.
3. Reese Moore (C)
4. Batting .335 with 9 home runs and a team-high 43 RBIs. Also caught 7 runners stealing.
5. Cade Obermueller (LHP)
6. ERA of 2.51 with 94 strikeouts in 68 innings. Iowa’s ace and top draft prospect.
7. Reece Beuter (RHP)
8. 6-0 record, 3.13 ERA, and a strong 13-inning scoreless streak. A rising star on the mound.

Oregon State Beavers Standouts

1. Aiva Arquette (INF)
2. Batting .350 with 16 home runs and 56 RBIs. One of the top sluggers in the Pac-12.
3. Gavin Turley (OF)
4. Matches Arquette’s .350 average with 15 HRs and 54 RBIs. A true power-speed combo.
5. Ethan Kleinschmit (SP)
6. 6-3 record with 75 strikeouts in 62 innings. Leads OSU’s rotation with a 4.21 ERA.
7. Wilson Weber (C)
8. .318 average with 7 home runs, strong behind the plate (caught 14 runners stealing).

B1G Standings / Postseason Outlook:

The Hawkeyes are atop the Big Ten Conference with a record of 21-6. The UCLA Bruins sit in second place at 17-7. The Hawkeyes finish up conference play in a few weeks when they host the Oregon Ducks (16-8), 3rd place in the B1G.

There’s a lot of baseball to be played, including the Big Ten Tournament, but it’s hard not to peek ahead to see what the Hawks have to do to make the postseason. Certainly, a regular-season conference champion is worthy of making the tournament. However, the automatic bid goes to the tournament champion. When it comes to that, it gets a little scary.

The Hawkeyes have a chance to make some ground in their RPI rankings with their next two opponents. Oregon State is ranked #10 in RPI, and the Oregon Ducks are ranked 24th. Comparatively, the Hawkeyes’ RPI is #65. Iowa has steamrolled much of the B1G until now, but some mid-week losses have thrown wrenches in the gears. This team could do some damage in postseason play because they can throw three very good starting pitchers out there. Let’s not let anyone make the determination if we do/don’t make the postseason. Let’s take it, Hawks! As always, it’s great to be a Hawkeye. Go Hawks!