The Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball team might have had a bit more incentive than they normally would have to pour it on against Ohio State on Friday afternoon. After all, it was a 15-2loss to the Buckeyes that has the Huskers needing to win two games on Saturday in order to head to Sunday's Big Ten Tournament Championship.
Given the opportunity for revenge against OSU, the Cornhuskers made good, thanks in large part to Gabe Swansen at the plate and Mason McConnaughey on the mound.
Swansen has had a very big Big Ten tournament already, but on Friday he absolutely exploded, going
In fact, NU almost got the change to return the favor in regards to 10-running their opponent 4-for-5 with a homer, a double and 6 RBI. Considering the Huskers won 12-5, it turns out his run production was all they needed for the win on Friday.
Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball rolls into Saturday do or die series
On the hill, Mason McConnaughey was the pitching version of Swansen. Not only did he dominate to the tune of 11 strikeouts over 6 innings pitched, but he gave the Huskers exactly the kind of outing they needed.
Even when Jalen Worthley faltered a bit in the final innings and made a 12-3 game, 12-5, it was clear that the Nebraska Cornhuskers were gearing up for their Saturday twin-bill.
At least they hope it's going to be a twin-bill.
With the victory on Friday, the Huskers will face off against Indiana, who hasn't lost yet in the tournament. They'll first meet at a 9am game and then, should Will Bolt's boys win, they'll play again in the afternoon.
If the Nebraska Cornhuskers do manage to take care of business - without Brett Sears who Bolt confirmed won't pitch again until Regionals - they'll play on Sunday in the Big Ten tournament championship.