Nebraska scored three runs in the seventh and four in the eighth to defeat Minnesota, 8-3, Sunday at Hawks Field to clinch the three-game Big Ten series. The Cornhuskers have won three straight conference series to solidify a bid to the Big Ten Tournament.
The Golden Gophers pitching staff initially held Nebraska in check. Minnesota led 2-0 through five innings on a two-run home run by Charlie Sutherland and led 3-1 going to the bottom of the seventh. Justin Thorsteinson, the Gophers starting pitcher, held the Huskers to five hits and just one run through 5.2 innings pitched.
After a scoreless sixth, Nebraska finally broke through in the seventh inning. Riley Silva led off the inning with a walk, then Robbie Bolin singled to left. With one out, Gabe Swansen doubled to left to score Silva to cut Minnesota’s lead to 3-2. Then, with Tyler Stone at the plate, Luke Ryerse (0-3) threw a wild pitch, allowing Bolin to score the tying run while advancing Swansen to third. Then Stone hit a grounder to first, which Sutherland played home. Swansen slid around the tag at the plate and scored to give the Huskers the lead, 4-3.
Nebraska added insurance in the bottom of the eighth. Silva singled to left-center, Bolin walked and Brumbaugh singled to load the bases. Swansen lofted a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Silva while advancing Bolin to third and Brumbaugh to second. Case Sanderson ripped a two-run double down the right field line, scoring Bolin and Brumbaugh to build the NU lead to 7-3. Two batters later, Joshua Overbeek singled up the middle to score Sanderson and push the lead to five.
Grant Cleavinger (1-0) earned the win, retiring both batters he faced. The Husker bullpen as a unit turned in a sterling effort, allowing just one run in 4.1 innings. Swansen paced the Nebraska offense, hitting 2-for-4 with two RBI and a double.
The Huskers now prepare for their final midweek game of the season, as Nebraska plays the rubber game of its series with Creighton Tuesday at Hawks Field. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. Pregame coverage will begin at 5:30 p.m. on KLIN.