Huskers Hold Off Hoosiers in Thrilling Series Opener
No. 24 Nebraska baseball (20-6, 6-1) kicked off its home stand with a hard-fought 6-5 victory over Indiana (10-15, 3-7) on Friday night. The Huskers, returning to Hawks Field at Haymarket Park after nearly two weeks away, demonstrated resilience in the face of a Hoosier comeback attempt.
Horn Sets the Pace with Strong Start
Junior right-hander Ty Horn delivered a solid performance, pitching five innings and allowing only four hits while striking out six. Despite a couple of errors and walks that put runners on base, Horn maintained composure and limited Indiana’s offensive opportunities early in the game. He retired the first three batters he faced and kept the Hoosiers hitless until the third inning.
Offensive Explosion Fuels Early Lead
The Husker offense capitalized on early struggles from Indiana starter Reagan Rivera. A two-run home run by junior designated hitter Max Buettenback in the second inning ignited the Nebraska attack. The Huskers continued to pressure Rivera, with Dylan Carey’s single and two wild pitches contributing to two more runs in the third. A hit by pitch with the bases loaded brought in another run, extending Nebraska’s lead to 5-0.
Mid-Game Drama and a Clutch Save
Indiana mounted a significant challenge in the middle innings, scoring four runs in the sixth. Nebraska’s pitching staff faced adversity, with Caleb Clark and Tucker Timmerman both seeing action before sophomore right-hander J’Shawn Unger entered the game. Unger shut down the Hoosiers, pitching the final two innings without allowing a hit and securing his third save of the season. The Hoosiers added a run in the seventh, but Unger’s performance sealed the 6-5 victory.
Bolt Emphasizes Home-Field Advantage
Head coach Will Bolt highlighted the importance of defending their home turf. “It feels great to be back at home,” Bolt said. “We’re going to have to defend the home turf if we want to do the things that we want to do.” The Huskers’ record of 20-6 and 6-1 in conference play underscores their strong performance this season, including an 11-game win streak in March.
Looking Ahead: Series Continues
Nebraska and Indiana will continue their series on Saturday with a 2 p.m. CT first pitch, broadcast on Big Ten Plus. The series will conclude on Sunday at noon.
FAQ
Q: What is Nebraska’s current record?
A: Nebraska’s record is 20-6 overall and 6-1 in conference play.
Q: Who pitched the final two innings for Nebraska?
A: J’Shawn Unger pitched the final two innings and earned the save.
Q: Where can I watch the remaining games of the series?
A: The remaining games will be broadcast on Big Ten Plus.
Q: Who hit a home run for Nebraska in the game?
A: Max Buettenback hit a two-run home run.
Did you know? Ty Horn picked up his first win of the season in this game.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on J’Shawn Unger – he’s proving to be a reliable closer for the Huskers.
What did you think of the Huskers’ performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
