The Huskers started Big Ten play against the Washington Huskies on Saturday with a doubleheader and then game three on Sunday. Not only was this the Big Ten opener for us, but it was also our home opener. Unfortunately, games one and two did not go our way, but we were able to get the victory in game three. Let’s look at each game and then I will give my overall thoughts on the series.
Game one
Game one started out rough for our Huskers right away. The Huskies got off to a 5 to 0 score right away. A double and then a three-run home run got them off to an early lead. We got one run in the second, bringing the score to 5-1. We were then able to get within one run in the bottom of the fourth, after getting three hits. However, we were not able to maintain this momentum. Washington added five more runs in the fifth inning bringing the score 10 to 4. We were able to add one more run, and Washington did the same. We ultimately lost 11 to 5.
This was our third loss in a row and was a very tough pitching outing for our Huskers. We allowed eight doubles in this game and 15 total hits. Our bullpen struggled along with our offense. It was not a good opening to Big Ten play.
Game Two
Similar to game one, game two did not go the way we hoped it would. This game was a pitcher’s dual for the majority of the game. We struck first in the bottom of the sixth, with a two-run home run. Washington quickly responded in the top of the seventh with a three-run home run, taking the lead. The Huskies added three more runs in the eighth. We responded with one more run, but were unable to overcome the deficit. Washington won 6-3.
This game did not go as we hoped it would and ended up costing us the series. It was a very quiet first half but a much more offensive heavy second half. We had a lot of chances to come back, but unfortunately, were not able to complete it. This was also our fourth straight loss. It was not a great offensive performance by us but we kept it in reach the entire game.
Game Three
Game three went much better than the first two games. We got the first run of the game with one in the second. In the fifth, we added to our lead with a three-run home run. We then lead 4-0. In the bottom of the eighth, we once again add to our lead with another home run. The score was 6 to 1. Washington gets one RBI in the ninth, but cannot get any more runs. We win game three by a score of 6 to 2!
This game went a lot better than the first two. We had two home runs, which helped us win the game. Our bullpen was also a lot more efficient than they were yesterday. There were a few times this game that we were able to leave Washington’s batters stranded on the bases. This included leaving the bases loaded twice. This was a great performance from the entire team.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, this was an up-and-down series from our Huskers. The first two games we were not very efficient, but we saw splashes of how good this team can be. Offensively we struggled, but we also did have some great hits. Our bullpen was shaky at times throughout the weekend, but I think with more practice and more games we definitely can improve. We were definitely more consistent in game three, which was good to see. Although we lost this series, there’s still a lot of season to go, and we can definitely turn things around. Up next, Wichita State comes into town for a two game series.
GBR
