After losing 9-3 in the series opener on Friday, the Nebraska softball team was looking to tie the series against Rutgers. Even in the loss, the Huskers had no trouble getting on base, but had trouble getting their runners alive as eight runners were stranded. But the situation in Nebraska today is much different.
In today's game, the Huskers tried to attack with their bats. Nebraska had a 13-hit performance as a team, en route to a 13-5 victory. Despite being aggressive against batters, the Huskers remained disciplined and drew four walks in the game.
It didn't take long for Nebraska to wake up the bats. Sophomore infielder Caitlin Kaneda sparked the attack with a double, followed by two walks to load the bases for the Huskers. Nebraska was given a 1-0 lead when freshman utility Emerson Cope was hit by a pitch.
Unlike yesterday's game, the Huskers homered in two runs on a single by senior outfielder Caitlin Neal, extending Nebraska's lead to 3-0 after the first inning.
At the bottom of the frame, senior pitcher Kaylin Kinney took charge for Rutgers. Kinney allowed what appeared to be a leadoff double, but the Huskers struck out senior infielder Kylie Sand at second base. Kinney took advantage of an early break to keep the score 3-0 against the Scarlet Knights.
In the second inning, Nebraska was unable to provide any offense and fell to 3-3. Rutgers scored a run in the bottom frame and chipped away at the lead.
In the third inning, the Huskers allowed a run on a Rutgers error. To widen the frame, Nebraska got a runner on second base early after senior catcher Peyton Cody hit a single and freshman outfielder Samantha Bland issued a walk.
Neal reached out after interference from the catcher and loaded the bases, then a wild pitch from Rutgers sophomore outfielder Alina Felix allowed Cody to pinch run and score, returning the Huskers' lead to three runs.
Rutgers tried to answer, but Kinney continued to shut down the Scarlet Knights in a 1-2-3, and the score remained static.
The fourth inning was a turning point for Nebraska, as the Huskers scored five points in the inning and firmly took control. To lead off the inning, junior catcher Eva Bredwell hit a home run to start the scoring quickly.
After the home run, senior infielder Billy Andrews walked and stole second base, moving him into scoring position. In his next at-bat, Kaneda got one out and it looked like Cody would follow with a grounder. However, a throwing error by senior third baseman Peyton Linkavage allowed Cody to advance to first base and Andrews to third base.
Nebraska quickly capitalized on the mistake, with Brand hitting a single to score Andrews. In his next at-bat, Cope hit a single to load the bases, and Neal hit another single to drive in two runs. It looked like Rutgers would only score four points in the inning, but a strange play allowed the Huskers to score an extra point.
After sophomore infielder Vera Bacon hit a flyout to center field, it was ruled that Neal left first base early and hit a double play, ending the inning. Even though the play ended the inning, a run from third base was able to score, and a sacrifice double play and a run in the fifth ended the inning.
The bottom of the fourth inning was another scoreless, futile inning for Rutgers, keeping the score at 9-1 and putting the Scarlet Knights in danger of a mercy rule loss as the fifth inning awaited.
In the fifth inning, it was Breadwell who sparked Nebraska's attack again with a double with one out. Andrews singled in his next at-bat and allowed a double on a wild pitch, putting two runners in scoring position. The Huskers scored again with Kaneda's single putting runners in scoring position, driving home two runs and putting Nebraska ahead 11-1.
Just when it looked like the game would end in the fifth inning, Rutgers finally woke up the bat. After a single and a hit-by-pitch gave the Scarlet Knights a double, Sand's single gave Rutgers their first run since the second inning.
Despite the offense, Rutgers was still within mercy rule loss at 11-2. However, senior outfielder Morgan Smith's three runs made the score 11-5 and gave the Scarlet Knights some new life.
Despite the new life, it didn't take long for the Huskers to regain the ground they had lost. Nebraska pushed both teams home with two quick base hits and a triple off the wall by Breadwell, putting the Huskers back up 13-5. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Rutgers had no chances and allowed just one hit.
With the win, Nebraska improved to 24 wins and 16 losses, ending its losing streak at two. The Huskers will be back in action tomorrow with a rubber match against Rutgers for the series win.
sports@dailynebraskan.com
