Four two-out runs were enough for No. 3 Tennessee to defeat No. 11 Nebraska softball, 4-1, Friday in Clearwater, Fla.
After the Cornhuskers (4-4) had pushed across a run on a Jesse Ferrell sacrifice fly in the bottom of the third, the Lady Vols (6-0) responded. With two out, Ella Dodge doubled to center, then scored when Makenzie Butt singled to left. Then in the fifth, Tennessee had two on with two out when Gabby Leach laced a two-run double to left to push the lead to 3-1. Two batters later, Leach scored on a wild pitch, boosting the Lady Vols’ lead to 4-1.
That was more than enough for Tennessee’s pitching staff. Sage Mardjetko, Erin Nuwer and All-American Karlyn Pickens combined to allow just one hit and one run over seven innings, surrendering five walks while hitting two batters and striking out 11. Jordy Frahm took the loss for Nebraska, surrendering four earned runs in 4.2 innings pitched.
The Huskers now prepare to take on UCF of the Big 12 Saturday in Clearwater, Fla. First pitch is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.