The late-inning heroics appeared to be building toward another dramatic 9th between Nebraska and Omaha. But just as quickly as the Huskers got the tying run into scoring position with nobody out, the rally was ended on consecutive bases loaded strikeouts, and NU fell to the Mavs 6-5.
Luke Sartori and Colby Gomes each had a chance to tie or give Nebraska (12-15 overall, 4-2 Big Ten) the lead in the road half of the 9th. Max Anderson waited on 3rd base representing the tying run. Both batters pushed the counts full, and both swung and missed their 3-2 pitch. Anderson, the start sophomore, reached second base with no outs but failed to score.
Omaha (12-14 overall, 4-2 Summit) now holds the edge in this season series with NU 2-1, with one more matchup scheduled for April 27.
After building an early 3-1 advantage, the Mavericks scored single runs in the 5th, 6th, and 7th innings. By the end of seven, NU trailed 6-1.
Then Colby Gomes happened. The junior smashed a three-run homerun with two out in the 8th, cutting the lead to 6-5.
Luke Sartori saved Nebraska’s bacon in the 5th inning when he made a circus catch in deep center field. Omaha had already scored once in the inning and had the bases loaded. The clutch defensive play saved three runs.
Cam Chick got the Huskers on the board in the 3rd, scoring on a groundout.
Omaha struck first by plating 3 runs on 3 hits in the first inning off of freshman NU starter Drew Christo. The Mavs kept it scoreless in the top half of the inning by throwing out Anderson at home, ending the first Husker threat.
Nebraska is back in action this weekend as they host Rutgers at Hawks Field for a 3-game set. Game one Friday will start at 6:35.