Nebraska tops K-State 8-0

Trying to rid themselves of the bitter taste of the loss against Creighton last night and being swept by them in this year’s series, the Nebraska Nine faced off in some iffy weather against old Big 8 rival Kansas State for what will be their only game against each other this season. Trying something different tonight, Coach Will Bolt sent veteran lefthander Jackson Brockett to the mound to face the Wildcats.

Brockett has not pitched anywhere close to the number of innings he did last year, and frankly, has not been very good when he has taken the ball in games. Many had him penciled in as a possible weekend starter this season, but when given chances, he did not seize the opportunity. However, today was a new day and how’s that saying go . . . when you least expect it, expect it. Tonight, the junior out of Buford High School in Georgia answered the bell and threw an absolute gem as he no-hit the Kansas State Wildcats

In what have typically become pitcher-by-committee games, Brockett was outstanding, facing the minimum over the first four innings and not allowing a baserunner until Raphael Pelletier reached on an error in the top of the fifth. And, he only faced two more than the minimum for the game! It has been a very rough year for him as he doubled his total number of innings pitched when he threw his first pitch in the seventh inning, but after tonight, hopefully the stars have aligned for him!

Brockett’s previous best outing as a Cornhusker was six innings. This was his first start of the season, and the twelfth of his career. His final line score was nine innings pitched, 107 pitches, twelve strikeouts and two walks. Most importantly, no hits!

Nebraska exorcized some demons offensively as well, with Riley Silva manufacturing a run in the bottom of the first inning. After working a walk, he stole second and advanced to third on a wide throw by the catcher. He came home a couple of pitches later on a wild pitch. That 1-0 Nebraska lead held until the fifth while Brackett was in total command, with only two Wildcat runners reaching base.

Throughout the season, Cornhusker hitting more often than not, came alive in the middle innings. Tyler Stone led off the fifth getting plunked by K-State’s third pitcher of the night, J.J. Slack. Josh Caron then flew out deep to rightfield for the first out of the inning. Case Sanderson smoked a double the opposite way down the third base line, moving Stone to third. Garrett Anglim then switched places with Sanderson with a double of his own, driving in two runs.

With Anglim standing on second base, catcher Ben Columbus drove a home run to centerfield, adding two more runs and putting Nebraska up 5-1 going to the sixth inning. Ben Columbus is another feel-good story this year as he has overcome injuries and other things to become Nebraska’s most dangerous hitter at the current time.

Brockett then struck out the side in the sixth and sat the Cats down in order in the seventh and eighth inning. In the meantime, Nebraska added a run in the sixth when Silva again walked and stole second, and then score on a Tyler Stone single. They added a seventh run in the seventh inning as pinch-hitter Cole Evans led off with a single and score on a deep fly ball by Dylan Carey. They ended their scoring in the eighth as Rhett Stokes singled to start the inning and scored three batters later on an infield grounder by Stone. Final score: Nebraska 8, Kansas State 0.

Nebraska’s offense had twelve hits and left eight runners on base. They struck out four times, but also worked three walks and were hit by pitch three times. The defense was also very solid, though they did not have to do much more than make routine plays.

There is no doubt that it was a feel-good night for Nebraska, particularly for Jackson Brockett. It was the first midweek win for the team since March and rewarded 4929 fans who braved the rainy evening and ended up with a memorable night at the ballpark.

Nebraska travels to Minnesota tomorrow and will take on the Golden Gophers this weekend, starting Friday night at 5:00 p.m. Brett Sears will start the first game, looking to extend his Friday night dominance. Nebraska currently sits behind Illinois and Purdue in the B1G and another series win is very important to keep them in the race.

Notes:

· Coach Will Bolt said in his post-game interview that it was the best live pitching performance he has ever seen in his life.

· The no hitter tonight was the first nine inning no hitter for Nebraska since 1954 by Richard Guyer against Kansas.

· Ben Columbus is riding a heater right now. He was 2-3 tonight with a double and a home run, along with two RBI.

· Riley Silva and Rhett Stokes also had two hits tonight.

· There is a fashion change of note for Nebraska that was unveiled prior to the start of tonight’s game. A patch was added to the right side of the team’s caps to recognize the Voice of Cornhusker Baseball Greg Sharp and his battle with cancer. Sharp Strong is included on the patch, and will remain on the caps for the remainder of the season.