Husker Baseball scouting report on BYU

Huskers started their 4 game series against BYU Thursday and thanks to a 3RBI Double from Blake Headley in the top of the 9th with 2 out, Huskers finally took the lead and won, 6-3.  They have a doubleheader on Friday at 1:05 and finish up Saturday at 1:05 CDT. Games can be heard on Husker Sports Network.

Last year BYU and Big Red didn’t meet up. BYU was 0-4 after a playing at UC Santa Barbara. Huskers were 1-2 after playing UNLV. Bad news for the Huskers is RH pitcher Jake Hohensee is out indefinitely with a forearm injury and an MRI is pending. That’s a shame after a flamethrower performance against UNLV.  Chance Sinclair will take the hill again in the first of the double header games on Friday. He got the W against UNLV last week.

BYU has Tanney Chauncey playing at infield/shortstop even though he was drafted by the LA Dodgers in the 35th round. He opted not to enter into the “bigs” as he was scheduled for a mission trip in Brazil. Also drafted, but still playing for BYU is RH Pitcher Kolton Mahoney who was drafted by Milwaukee in the 23rd round. He took to the hill on Thursday and lasted through the 6th inning, only allowing 3 hits by the Huskers. Unlike last week Mahoney didn’t need any time to settle in. He retired the first 6 batters in a row.

Another advantage BYU may have against the Huskers in the series is they had very warm weather and were able to practice outside all winter essentially. This can really translate to a solid foundation for their defense.  Offensively, Cougar Brennan Lund started off last week’s game against UCSB with 3 hits. He wasn’t that fortunate against Big Red’s Burkamper on Thursday as he went 0 for 3 before Eddins took over on the hill for the Huskers.

More from Husker Corner

• Former Nebraska football star returns to the program in new role
• Travis Hunter injury uproar has some Nebraska football fans reminding Colorado about Adrian Martinez
• Nebraska Football: Freshman RB in line for big playing time
• Nebraska Cornhuskers News: Heinrich Haarberg has believer in Rhule, more
• Nebraska Football: Matt Rhule faces tough decision between Heinrich Haarberg and Jeff Sims

BYU’s other Shortstop Hayden Neilsen had 3 hits in his first game and continued to have success against Nebraska. In Thursday’s game against the Huskers he was 4 for 5, all singels. Dillon Robinson is also an extra base danger for BYU as he had a double against UCSB and started Thursday with a 2 RBI TRIPLE to put BYU up early in the contest.

Look for Tanner Lubach to try to continue to chip away at the record for throwing out potential base stealers. He sits at 33 runners caught stealing, which is 3rd All Time at NU. BYU may try to sneak some by his arm. I wouldn’t recommend it but the best shot for BYU to do it would come from Colton Shaver.

[Dugout Dirt: (it’s the little extra bits of info) Cougar Hayden Neilsen likes to go to opposite field. Friday’s second game will feature RHP Kinser for BYU who is actually slated to be a relief pitcher this year.

This game will not be televised but is available on Huskers free radio (Huskers.com).  Game weather report has temps in the low 80’s with sunny conditions through the weekend. Friday’s double header first game starts at 1:05 CDT. Wishing Coach Erstad and the rest of the team GOOD LUCK and as always, GO BIG RED!!!