In a high-scoring, seesaw game, Nebraska ended up on top of Rutgers, 8-5, Friday at Hawks Field in Lincoln.
The Scarlet Knights took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. But in the bottom of the first, the Cornhuskers responded. A two-run single by Dylan Carey tied the game. Cael Frost followed with an RBI single to give Nebraska the lead. Hogan Helligso pushed the lead to three with a two-run single to left to push the lead to three.
Rutgers immediately erased the lead in the top of the second. Ty Doucette hit a two-run home run to cut the NU lead to one. Later in the inning, Jack Sweeney drove in a run with a single to left to tie the game at five. Nebraska broke the tie in the bottom of the fifth, as Riley Silva hit a two-run single to left field. Carey drove in an insurance run in the eighth with a sacrifice fly, pushing the Huskers’ lead to three.
Will Walsh (4-4) earned the win, finding his footing after a bumpy start to throw five innings while scattering nine hits and five earned runs. Drew Christo threw 2.2 shutout innings out of the bullpen, allowing two hits. Luke Broderick earned his fifth save, allowing one hit in 1.1 shutout innings pitched. Dillon Ryan (1-1) took the loss, surrendering two earned runs in four innings.
Carey and Silva led the Nebraska offense. Carey was 2-for-3 with three RBI, while Silva was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Doucette drove the Scarlet Knights offense, hitting 3-for-4 with two RBI.
The Huskers gun for the series win Saturday at Hawks Field. First pitch between Nebraska and Rutgers is slated for 2 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 1:30 p.m. on 105.3 The Bone.