Pair of ex-Nebraska Cornhuskers finishing their rookie season strong

The Major League Baseball season is almost over and two former Nebraska Cornhuskers stars are closing out their rookie seasons quite nicely. In just a couple of days, both could be preparing to throw their first pitches in the MLB playoffs.

It has been ages since two former Huskers have been starting games for big league teams in the same season. Let alone two being stalwarts in a rotation and two possibly pitching in the postseason.

Cade Povich and Spencer Schwellenbach have had disparate rookie seasons but both former Nebraska Cornhuskers pitchers are doing their school proud. And both are finishing up September the right way.

Schwellenbach has pitched so well after a bit of a rough start that it seems likely he’ll be a featured part of the Atlanta Braves rotation in the postseason, should they make it. Following his last start, where he pitched 7 innings, allowed just three hits and 1 earned run, he’s posted a 3-1 record and 2.73 ERA in September. On the season, he’s posted an 8-7 record with a 3.47 earned run average. He’s also got 122 strikeouts in 116.1 innings pitched.

Two former Nebraska Cornhuskers stars closing up rookie season quite nicely

Over in the American League, Povich has struggled a bit after a fast start. However, he’s had a nice September to close out his rookie campaign.

Povich’s last start saw him go 5 innings, allowing 2 hits, 2 earned runs and striking out 7. On the season, he’s just 2-9 with a 5.59 ERA, but in September, he’s posted a respectable 3.27 ERA while going 1-2. 

The real question now is whether or not Povich is in the Baltimore Oriole’s postseason plans. It seems extremely unlikely he’ll be part of the O’s playoff rotation, though he might be kept around to come out of the bullpen if needed.

At least Povich’s team has locked in a postseason berth. Schwellenbach’s Atlanta Braves have some work to do as they are currently one game back of the final wildcard spot with four games to play.