The Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball team started the season off with a bit of an uneven weekend. It looks like it might be possible that they’re going to find their footing in Lafayette, Louisiana.
It helps that Mason McConnaughey followed up an outing where he struggled, with one of his best as a member of the Huskers. NU has gotten off to a 6-1victorious start to the weekend, thanks to McConnaughey’s pitching ahd Louisiana’s less-than-stellar defense.
Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball opens the weekend in style
Four Ragin’ Cajuns errors led to four unearned runs as the Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball team knocked out left-handed ace Chase Morgan before the fifth inning. NU led by 3 at that point and they would only add onto their lead as the game went on.
When they got two more runs in the eighth inning, they served as a cushion to make sure a still-mostly untested bullpen was able to not sweat the small stuff. Though they more than held their own once the Huskers’ started departed after six.
Mason McConnaughey spins a gem
McConnaughey got NU off to a winning start with those impressive six stifling innings of one-run baseball. The junior right-hander and preseason All-American commanded a lively low-90s fastball as part of a six-strikeout, no-walk effort across 94 pitches.
McConnaughey faced 22 batters and allowed just four to reach base – three scattered singles and a two-out solo home run by Lee Amedee in the second inning to draw the hosts within 2-1. It was a fantastic turnaround for a pitcher who still boasts a 6.52 ERA.
Cornhuskers Quick Stat Check
- Runs Scored: 6
- Total Hits: 9
- Errors Committed: 0 (4 for Louisiana)
- Key Highlight: A clutch two-run one run single ignited the Huskers’ offense.
Friday night’s impressive result showcases the Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball program’s determination and growth. NU is going to need its pitching staff to step up big time this season, especially until it determines who are its big offensive contributors outside of Gabe Swansen. They took a nice first step on Friday to improve to 3-2.