Hawkeyes Clinch Series Over Florida Atlantic With 6-1 Victory

Iowa baseball team wins second game of weekend series against FAU

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The University of Iowa baseball team clinched the series over Florida Atlantic with a 6-1 victory at FAU Baseball Stadium on Saturday night. Sophomore Jaron Bleeker earned his first win of the season, pitching 4 2/3 innings with two strikeouts, no walks, and allowing just two hits with no runs. Redshirt freshman Kyle Alivo closed out the game with 2 2/3 innings, striking out three and allowing two hits.

Why it matters

The Hawkeyes' series win over Florida Atlantic continues their strong start to the 2026 season and builds momentum heading into the rest of their schedule. The team's pitching depth was on display, with Bleeker and Alivo combining for a solid outing on the mound.

The details

Iowa added two more runs in the top of the sixth, with senior Mitch Wood hitting a sacrifice fly and senior Kooper Schulte stealing home. The Hawkeyes capped the scoring in the top of the ninth when senior Miles Risley had an RBI fielder's choice. The Owls broke the shutout in the bottom of the ninth, scoring their lone run of the game.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Jaron Bleeker

A sophomore pitcher for the University of Iowa baseball team who earned his first win of the season, pitching 4 2/3 innings with two strikeouts, no walks, and allowing just two hits with no runs.

Kyle Alivo

A redshirt freshman pitcher for the University of Iowa baseball team who closed out the game with 2 2/3 innings, striking out three and allowing two hits.

Rick Heller

The head coach of the University of Iowa baseball team.

Mitch Wood

A senior player for the University of Iowa baseball team who hit a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning.

Kooper Schulte

A senior player for the University of Iowa baseball team who stole home in the sixth inning.

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What they’re saying

“Jaron Bleeker stepped up big time for us today. Logan Runde was pitching great when he had to come out in the second inning with an injury. After that Bleeker gave us 4 2/3 scoreless innings, and he didn't walk a batter. Redshirt freshman Kyle Alivo threw the final 2 1/3 and pitched well.”

— Rick Heller, Head Coach (1630kcjj.com)

“The offense scored two early then added late scoring four in the last four innings to put it away. Joey Nerat had a big day with three doubles. Gable Mitchell and Caleb Wulf each had two hits. We played great defense. On a hot day we were a little flat at times at the plate but found a way to get the job done.”

— Rick Heller, Head Coach (1630kcjj.com)

What’s next

The Hawkeyes return to action tomorrow for their final game of the series against Florida Atlantic at 10 a.m. (CT).

The takeaway

The Hawkeyes' series win over Florida Atlantic demonstrates the team's depth and resilience, as they were able to overcome an early injury to a starting pitcher and still secure the victory. The performance of Bleeker and Alivo on the mound, along with timely hitting from the offense, bodes well for the Hawkeyes as they continue their season.