No. 21 Nebraska earned its third win Sunday against Minnesota this weekend at Bowlin Stadium, 8-2. The Huskers scored a total of 24 runs throughout the weekend. After not scoring a single run Saturday, Minnesota started this one ready to get on the board, but senior catcher Ava Bredwell’s strong performance from the plate overcame all adversities.
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Emmerson Cope started on the hill for the Huskers, pitching two innings, failing to record a strikeout and allowing three hits for one run. After her short outing, the sophomore lefty Caitlin Olensky took over the next two innings, also allowing three hits for one run, but she did record two strikeouts. To end the game, the sophomore righty Kylee Magee (3-2) pitched from the fifth on, tallying three strikeouts, with no hits or runs.
The Golden Gophers had four pitchers share the mound this afternoon. Starting the afternoon was the junior right-handed pitcher Sidney Schwartz (1.1 IP), who only allowed one hit. Next up was the freshman right-hander Natalie Susa (1.1 IP), letting up two hits for five total runs. Junior Presley Hosick (1.2 IP) was called in quickly after, abating five hits for three runs. After two rough outings for the Golden Gophers, sophomore Macy Richardson was brought on to finish the game, as she recorded two strikeouts before the game was over.
The Golden Gophers entered Sunday afternoon with a 13-17 record overall and 2-4 in Big Ten play. On the other hand, the Huskers have been red hot, behind their 22-8 record and 3-1 in conference play.
The Golden Gophers started off better than they did Saturday quickly as senior infielder Nani Valencia doubled to right field, scoring senior catcher Taylor Krapf, recording the RBI.
In the bottom of the third, Nebraska finally responded as junior infielder Lauren Camenzind reached base on a fielding error, pushing junior outfielder Kacie Hoffmann to third, bringing home senior outfielder Abbie Squier.
One batter later, Bredwell doubled to center field, sending Hoffmann and Camenzind home.
On the day, Bredwell had a wonderful performance from the plate, batting 3-for-3, recording one run and two RBI.
“This weekend was a point for us to come and show Husker nation where we’re all about, we’re at home, so we have our fans here, and we’re just happy to get some wins for them,” Bredwell said postgame.
Bredwell also added, “I’m really proud of all of our pitchers today, obviously Kylee did amazing.”
Sophomore infielder Samantha Bland batted next, singling up the middle, allowing Bredwell to advance past home. Right after, junior infielder Ava Kuszak singled out to right field, pushing junior infielder Bella Bacon to third, which sent Bland in to score.
Nebraska took the lead in dramatic fashion, after recording five total runs in the bottom of the third, off strong bats from everyone.
Minnesota was held scoreless for the remainder of the game, despite being down after a quick comeback from the Huskers.
In the top of the fifth, Kuszak again came through, singling through to the left side, bringing Bacon to third and Bland home.
Quickly after, junior pitcher Jordy Bahl grounded out to second, but did allow Kuszak to make it to third, causing a riot for Bacon to score.
Last weekend, Nebraska allowed a total of 30 runs to Ohio State, after cleaning up things on the defensive end, the squad only let up five total runs to the Golden Gophers.
Much better performance on all ends as Nebraska prepares for its final stretch of the season, consisting of five Big Ten opponent matchups.
“Just keep running hard, keep playing. It’s a testament why you just keep swinging the bat and keep going,” head coach Rhonda Revelle said postgame.
After completing the clean series sweep, even after clinching the series Saturday, the Huskers moved to 23-8 on the season, also improving their conference record to 4-1.
Nebraska will have a quick outing 50 miles northeast to take on Omaha on Wednesday, March 26 at 5:00 p.m. CT.
After, the Huskers will return home for another three-game series against the Purdue Boilermakers.