Gophers topple UCLA 13-8; win NCAA regional

Minnesota got home runs from Alex Boxwell and Toby Hansen en route to a 13-8 win over UCLA Sunday at Siebert Field to claim their first-ever regional title. The victory completed a perfect weekend for the Gophers who went 3-and-0 in their first home regional in 18 years. Next up is the NCAA Super Regional, putting them within two wins of reaching the College World Series.

“What a night. What a three days. Bringing a Regional back to Siebert Field, I wouldn’t want to have done it with any other team than the team that’s here with me today” said Gopher Head Coach John Anderson.

“It’s just a wonderful group that has taken on every challenge, whether it’s been a daily practice or getting in the weight room, conditioning, or dealing with the weather and finding a place to practice and prepare. They never flinched. They never quit preparing and working and pushing one another every single day. I think the game today was a representation of the way they’ve handled themselves all year long. The hitters came in after we got behind there and took Jake Stevenson out of the game, and said, ‘Hey, the pitching staff’s been carrying us. It’s our turn today to do something to help us win today.’”

Photo by Spencer St. Dennis

Click here for photo gallery