Jordy Bahl dominated in the circle and the Husker bats continued their torrid hitting as No. 21 Nebraska softball hammered Minnesota, 8-0, in a six-inning mercy rule win. It was the Cornhuskers’ 15th mercy-rule win of the season and the fourth of five home games so far to end by run-rule victory for NU.
Nebraska jumped ahead 2-0 in the first. With the bases loaded and two outs, Lauren Camenzind ripped a single to right, scoring Hannah Camenzind. A second run scored on the play on an error on the right fielder. Then in the third, Kacie Hoffman clubbed a three-run home run to right field to push the lead to five. In the fifth inning, Hoffman grounded a one-out single to center. Lauren Camenzind ripped a double to right-center, scoring Hoffman’s pinch-runner, Kennadi Williams. Two batters later, Bella Bacon singled up the middle, scoring Lauren Camenzind to push the lead to 7-0.
Nebraska finished the game in the sixth. Ava Kuszak drew a leadoff walk, moved to third on a double to center by Hannah Camenzind, then scored on an Olivia DiNardo single to center to seal the run-rule win.
The Husker offense hummed while Bahl (12-3) dominated in the circle. In six innings, Bahl allowed just one hit-a single that dribbled in front of the plate-and two walks, while striking out seven. Natalie Susa (1-1) took the loss, allowing three earned runs in three innings.
Hoffman and Lauren Camenzind both had two hits. Hoffman drove in three runs while Camenzind had two RBI.
Game two of the series between the Huskers and Golden Gophers will be Saturday at Bowlin Stadium. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.