Huskers Rally Past Spartans in Extra Innings
Huskers.com
Olivia Ferrell smashed a two-run homer in the top of the ninth to power the Huskers to a 7-5 victory over the Spartans in extra-innings. Ferrell (15-4), who entered the game in the bottom of the seventh to pitch, earned the win to move the Huskers to 26-9 and 7-0 in Big Ten play.
In the circle, Sarah Ladd (7-7) recorded the loss while Michigan State moved to 20-19 (1-8 Big Ten) on the season.
The Spartans were the first to score in the bottom of the first. With one out, a double put a runner in scoring position while a dropped third strike added a runner at first. A single to left field, scored the first run of the day to put MSU up, 1-0.
Nebraska responded in the top of second. With one out, Cailtynn Neal doubled to left center followed by a single from
Courtney Wallace, scoring Neal.
Billie Andrews followed with a bunt to reach first and advance Wallace to second. With two outs,
Sydney Gray singled to right field, scoring Wallace and giving the Huskers a 2-1 lead.
Neal added another run in the top of the fourth. After a lead off walk for Neal, Wallace reached on an error, advancing Neal to third and advancing to second. A sacrifice fly out from
Billie Andrews, scored Neal to extend the lead to 3-1.
Michigan State cut the lead to one with a run in the bottom of the fourth. Back-to-back doubles brought in a run to make it 3-2, but Nebraska was able to escape the inning after a fly out and a double play.
The Spartans took the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Two singles put a runner in scoring position. A double scored both runners, to put MSU up 4-3. A double play cleared the bases and the Huskers were able to get out of the inning.
The Big Red regained the lead in the top of the sixth. With one out,
Brooke Andrews singled through the right side followed by a single through the left side for
Billie Andrews.
Cam Ybarra walked to load the bases. A line out from Gray marked the second out of the inning.
Mya Felder hit a single up the middle, scoring two. The Huskers went into the bottom of the sixth up, 5-4.
Olivia Ferrell came in to pitch in the bottom of the seventh, but aa two-out solo homer from Jess Mabrey tied the game up, 5-5.
After a scoreless eighth inning, Nebraska added two runs in the top of the ninth. With one out,
Abbie Squier reached first after an error by the shortstop. Ferrell smashed a two-run homer, deep over the center field fence to take the 7-5 lead.
NU was able to hold Michigan State scoreless in the bottom of the ninth to claim the 7-5 win in game two of the three-game series.
The Huskers return to action at approximately 2:30 p.m. (CT) for the final game of the series against Michigan State. The game will be broadcasted live on the Huskers Radio Network and Huskers.com with the call from Matt Coatney. The game will also be streamed live on BTN+ (subscription required).
NOTES
- The Huskers extended their win streak to 12 games. The last time NU had a 12-game win streak was in 2007
- Nebraska has started Big Ten Conference play, 7-0. This is the first time the Huskers have done so in the Big Ten. The last time NU started conference play 7-0 was in 2004 (Big 12).
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Ava Bredwell recorded her first triple of her career in the top of the seventh. She also added a double in the top of the ninth inning.
- Nebraska recorded three double plays on defense
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Olivia Ferrell smashed her second homer this season with a deep ball over the center field fence in the top of the ninth inning.
- This marked the second game the Huskers have played extra innings this season.
- Nebraska is now 2-0 this season in games that have gone extra innings.
- NU played nine innings today. This is the first time the Huskers have reached the nine inning mark this season. The last time Nebraska reached nine innings was in 2019 in a 10-4 win over Idaho State.
