The Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball team found its offensive rhythm, securing a 9-6 victory over Pepperdine in the first game of their midweek series on Tuesday night. The Huskers’ bats came alive early, setting the tone for a strong performance on the road.
Nebraska wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, scoring three runs in the first two innings. Max Anderson led the charge with a key RBI double, while Gabe Swansen added a two-run single to put the Huskers in control.
Pepperdine responded with a four-run third inning, briefly taking a 4-3 lead. However, Nebraska’s offense continued to apply pressure, regaining the lead in the fifth inning with a three-run homer by Brice Matthews, making it 6-4.
On the mound, Nebraska’s pitching staff delivered a solid outing. Starter Brett Sears went five innings, allowing four runs while striking out six batters. The bullpen took over from there, with Kyle Perry and Shay Schanaman shutting down the Waves in the later innings. Closer Emmett Olson secured the win with a dominant ninth inning, recording two strikeouts.
Nebraska added insurance runs in the seventh and eighth innings, extending the lead to 9-5. Pepperdine managed a late run in the ninth, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback.
Head coach Will Bolt praised the team’s performance, saying, “Our guys showed great discipline at the plate and capitalized on key moments. This was a solid team win.”
The Huskers look to carry their momentum into the next game of the series, aiming for a midweek sweep before returning home for Big Ten play.