Purdue provides huge help for the Huskers Big Ten Title Chances

Nebraska Baseball is back in first place in the Big Ten. Purdue has taken two games of the three game series against Minnesota, with the third game yet to be played tonight.

All hope appeared to be lost after last night’s Nebraska loss, needing eighth place Purdue to beat first place Minnesota twice for the Huskers to have a chance.

Purdue took advantage of poor defense from Minnesota, and led 5-2 in the seventh inning last night when the power went out at the field. Unable to restore power, the game would resume this afternoon. Afraid of rain chances, Purdue and Minnesota also agreed to play a doubleheader after the conclusion of the first game.

Purdue slammed the door shut on Minnesota, bringing in their closer Ross Learnard to pitch the last three innings. Learnard who has allowed two runs all season easily shut down the Gophers and pulled Purdue into a tie for seventh place in the Big Ten standings.

In the middle game of the three game day, Purdue put up a crocked number early. Purdue plated five runs in the second inning and never looked back. Minnesota was unable to get any offense outside of loading the bases in the third, the Gophers never really threatened.

Needless to say, this has been unexpected. Nebraska now sits at the top of the Big Ten with Minnesota, Michigan, and Iowa all with shots to win a Big Ten Championship should Nebraska stumble.

Nebraska tonight sends Derek Burkamper to the hill to face off against Justin Hagenman. Hagenman leads the Big Ten in losses with ten this season, while Burkamper has been pitching some of his best ball the past three weeks.

A pair of wins in the next two days, and Nebraska gets to raise a banner.