A five-run, two-out rally in the bottom of the third thwarted No. 20 Nebraska softball’s bid to sweep Iowa in Iowa City, as the Hawkeyes defeated the Huskers, 5-2, Sunday at Iowa City, Iowa.
The game was scoreless through the first two innings. Then in the top of the third, the Cornhuskers got on the board. Jordy Bahl doubled to left field. Samantha Bland then reached on an error, allowing Bahl to score the first run of the game. After Hannah Camenzind’s ground out moved Bland to third, Bland scored when Kacie Hoffmann doubled to left-center. Bella Bacon singled to left and went to second on the throw to third, where Hoffman slid in safe. But with runners at second and third and two outs, Emmerson Cope and Ava Kuszak struck out to end the threat.
Then in the bottom of the third, Bahl retired the first two batters she faced. But with two out, Jena Young singled to left. Tory Bennett reached on an error, putting two one with none out. Soo-Jin Berry drew a walk to load the bases. Alyssa Ramos singled to drive in Young. Talia Tretton hit a two-run single, giving Iowa the lead for good. After a hit-by-pitch to load the bases, three straight hit-by -pitches forced two runs to score to give Iowa the 5-2 lead.
That was enough for Jayln Adams (16-5) to hang on to win. She allowed two runs (none earned) in a complete game victory. She scattered eight hits while striking out seven. Bahl took the loss, snapping a nine=decision winning streak while allowing five unearned runs in 2.2 innings pitched, with five unearned runs.
Young ended the day 3=for-3 at the plate to pace Iowa. The Huskers were led by Bahl, who was 3-for-4 with a double.
Nebraska returns home to take on Creighton Wednesday night at Bowlin Stadium. Pregame coverage starts at 5:45, with first pitch at 6 p.m., Wednesday at Bowlin Stadium. The game can be heard on KLIN beginning with pregame coverage at 5:45 p.m.