A Historic Weekend for Nebraska Baseball
Nebraska baseball had an incredible weekend, sweeping USC and solidifying their position in second place in the Big Ten standings. This marks the first time the Huskers have swept a ranked opponent at Haymarket Park since the 2015 Texas series. The games also set a new attendance record for the Big Ten era at Haymarket Park and rank as the fifth-highest attended series in the park’s history.
The Huskers pulled off three straight walk-off wins, including two by the 10-run rule, which has put them at 15th in the RPI. This performance has placed them in the mix to host a regional, a major goal for the team every year.
Early Struggles and Comeback
The Trojans started strong, scoring first in the top of the first inning. Kevin Takeuchi singled up the middle and advanced to second on an errant pickoff throw. He later came home on a Jack Basseer RBI single, giving USC a 1-0 lead.
Nebraska responded immediately, with DH Jeter Worthley hitting a triple that sent the center fielder scrambling. Case Sanderson followed with an RBI double, and Dylan Carey added another RBI double, putting the Huskers ahead 2-1. The crowd of 7,600 erupted with excitement.
However, things quickly turned for Husker starter Gavin Blachowicz in the second inning. He walked three batters on 3-2 counts, though he picked off one. Blachowicz then grooved a pitch that Kevin Takeuchi hit for a three-run home run. Augie Lopez, USC’s top home run hitter, then hit a ball that cleared the bullpen completely, extending the Trojans’ lead to 5-2.
Relief Pitching Steers the Huskers
Nebraska turned to reliever Ty Horn to stabilize the game, and he delivered. Horn pitched five innings, allowing just one run on a solo home run by Lopez. He struck out four batters and walked none, keeping the Huskers in the game.
The offense came alive in the third inning, led by Dylan Carey, who had a standout day. His home run, despite a 42-degree launch angle, easily cleared the left field fence. Carey finished the game 4-for-5 with two RBIs.
Turning the Tide
Nebraska took the lead for good in the fourth inning. Rhett Stokes hit a hard ball that the shortstop muffed, leading to an error. A well-executed hit-and-run play allowed Trey Fikes to reach base, setting up Mac Moyer for a three-run home run. The crowd roared as the Huskers took a 7-5 lead.
USC tried to fight back, issuing back-to-back full-count walks to Worthley and Sanderson. However, a wild pitch allowed Worthley to score, making it 8-5. In the fifth inning, another wild pitch led to a dramatic play where Josh Overbeek and Rhett Stokes advanced, and Beek slid into home. The Trojans were now down 9-6.
A Dominant Finish
The Huskers continued their dominance in the sixth inning. Case Sanderson led off with a walk, and Carey singled to load the bases. Jett Buck was hit by a pitch, and Drew Grego took advantage, hitting a grand slam. The crowd exploded with excitement.
Nebraska added two more runs in the sixth, but couldn’t reach the 10-run differential needed for a mercy rule. However, in the bottom of the eighth, Mac Moyer was hit by a pitch, and after a challenge, the call was reversed. A passed ball allowed Moyer to take second, and Sanderson’s single brought him home. The team celebrated with a walk-off win, dousing the first baseman with Gatorade.
Looking Ahead
Nebraska is now heading to Kansas to avenge their loss to the Jayhawks. They will then face Illinois, currently in eighth place in the Big Ten. If they continue their strong performance, the attendance records set this weekend may soon be forgotten.
