The Iowa softball team split a double-header with Minnesota on Wednesday in Minneapolis, dropping the first game 4-2 but picking up a 2-1 win in the nightcap.

The Gophers used four RBI singles in the bottom of the fourth inning to jump out to a 4-0 lead.

Stephanie Ochoa and Liz Watkins each had an RBI in the sixth inning to cut the lead in half, but that was all the scoring the Hawkeyes could manage as Minnesota pitcher Sara Moulton allowed just six hits in seven innings and struck out 10 batters. Iowa pitcher Kayla Massey lasted just 3.2 innings and gave up four runs on four hits and five walks.

Sophomore pitcher Chelsea Lyon came on in relief and gave up just one hit and no runs in the game.

Iowa scored its two runs in opportunistic fashion, taking advantage of a Minnesota throwing error and a wild pitch in the third inning to provide Lyon all the offense she needed to pick up the victory.

Katie Keim and Jenny Schuelke each had two hits for Iowa in the win.

— by Sam Louwagie