Huskers win the series but can’t sweep Northwestern

SATURDAY GAME

Under an ominous sky dodging raindrops, the Nebraska softball team continued their winning ways Saturday afternoon by downing the Northwestern Wildcats 9 – 5. With the win, the Huskers win the series and looked forward to earning a “sweep” on Sunday afternoon.

Northwestern offense presented more of a challenge for Husker pitching on Saturday. The Big Red had to use three pitchers to secure the victory against the Wildcats. Freshman right-hander Kaylan Jablonski earned the start and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits in 2.2 innings. She was lifted in favor of sophomore Cassie McClure who allowed 3 runs on 5 hits in 3 innings of work. Junior right-hander Emily Lockman came on to pitch the final 1.1 innings, allowing only a walk.

Offensively for the Huskers, all 9 runs came in the 4th inning. Cassie McClure went 2-for-3 with four RBIs, including her second career grand slam and her first as a Husker.

NU senior catcher Steph Pasquale had two hits, 2 RBI’s and scored one run. MJ Knighten also had two hits for the Big Red, scoring one with one RBI.

SUNDAY GAME

It was cold and blustery at Bowlin Field Sunday afternoon as the Huskers fell to the Wildcats 3 – 5. Northwestern avoided being swept by the Huskers who desperately needed the win to remain in contention for post season play. Northwestern out hit Nebraska 10 – 6, plating the winning runs in the top of the 7th inning.

Offensively, it was a quiet day for Nebraska who could only score 3 runs on 6 hits. The game began with a bang for the home team as Kiki Stokes and MJ Knighten blasted 2 triples in a row in the Husker 1st.

Only one run would score as the NU walked twice, flied out and grounded out to end the inning. Nebraska came back to plate 2 runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning on 2 walks, a stolen base and 2 singles. At the end of 3, Nebraska led 3 – 0 and appeared headed for another victory. Nebraska loaded the bases in the 4th but stranded them all.

NU junior pitcher Emily Lockman was in the circle Sunday. Lockman went the distance allowing 5 runs on 10 hits. She held Northwestern scoreless for 3 innings but the Wildcats began chipping away at the lead. They would score one run in the 4th and another run in the 5th.

In the 7th inning, Northwestern combined a single, 2 doubles and a Husker fielding error to plate 3 runs to take the lead at 5 – 3. Nebraska had one last chance to tie or win the game. Once again, the Huskers loaded the bases but left all 3 runners standing on the bags.

Nebraska improves to 25-19 on the season and 12-5 in conference play. With only 8 games remaining in the regular season before the B1G Ten tournament, it is critical for the Huskers to win out. Ranked 3rd in the conference, it is likely they will fail to win the conference crown. It is also a very real possibility they may fail to receive an at-large bid to post season play in the NCAA tournament.

Huskers continue their home stand on Tuesday when the take on the Creighton Blue Jays at Bowlin Stadium at 6pm (CDT). Follow Nebraska softball here and as always, GO BIG RED!!