Huskers fall to Baylor 8-7 in extra innings

Nebraska (1-1) was unable to get the job done in the second game of the three-game series against Baylor (1-1). A Husker grand slam in the fifth inning, and a solo home run in the sixth inning were not enough to beat the Bears.

Short struggles on both offense and defense were the difference between Baylor and Nebraska. The Huskers struggled to continue offensive momentum when they had it, and couldn't contain Baylor when they needed to.

The Bears took advantage of the slow start from NU scoring five of their eight runs in the first four innings.

Nebraska started the game with a lead off homer from sophomore second baseman Cam Chick, but then the bats cooled down. After Chick's solo shot, the Huskers managed only one hit until an explosive fifth inning.

In the fifth inning, trailing by five, the Big Red was able to score a run and load the bases before junior right fielder Aaron Palensky stepped up to the plate. Palensky sent a deep ball to left field for a grand slam that tied the game.

NU scored on a solo homer in the sixth inning by senior first baseman Ty Roseberry to take the lead 7-6 over the Bears. However, following this home run, the Huskers only managed two more hits the rest of the game.

The Huskers struggled from the mound early in the game. Sophomore starting pitcher Colby Gomes gave up five runs and seven hits in the first three innings. His night ended after he gave up back-to-back solo home runs to start the third inning.

Redshirt freshman LHP Caleb Feekin was the man to take Gomes' place in the third inning where he retired the side giving up no hits. Feekin however, walked two in the third, and one in the fourth and left the mound with zero outs in the fourth inning.

Junior RHP Max Schreiber then came on and he was a force to be reckoned with. Despite giving up a run in the fourth, Schreiber allowed just one hit and recorded six strikeouts.

Holding on to just a one-run lead, sophomore closer Shay Schanaman came to the mound to start the bottom of the ninth inning. Schanaman walked the leadoff batter and gave up an infield hit on the next at-bat. The Bears then bunted to advance the runners, followed by a grounder to second which allowed the runner at third to score, tying the game. The Huskers were able to get out of the ninth inning and force extra innings.

In the bottom of the tenth, after a leadoff double, the Bears hit a line drive to right field and scored the runner, walking off the game.

The Huskers and Bears will play the final game of the series on Sunday at 1:05 pm. You can listen to the game on Husker Sports Network Radio or stream the game on ESPN+.

Sophomore LHP Cade Povich will be the starting pitcher making his debut. Povich is a product out of Bellevue West High School.