April 29, 2011
 
Huskers Drop Series Opener to Baylor, 6-2
 
Lincoln, Neb — Landis Ware's fifth inning bases clearing double down the left field line broke open a two-run ballgame and lifted Baylor (23-20, 8-11) to a 6-2 win over Nebraska (26-17, 5-10) on a windy Friday night at Hawks Field.

The Huskers scored a run on two hits in the third inning but were otherwise unable to crack BU starter Logan Verrett, who went 8.0 innings and gave up only that run on four hits while striking out eight.

"They (Baylor) pitched very well," head coach Mike Anderson said. "I thought this was going to be a 3-2, 4-2 type ballgame hopefully with us coming out on top. I didn't think we played great defense. I didn't think we had a good feel for the game tonight. Give them credit and see if we can come out tomorrow and fight through some things."

After the Bears pushed across an unearned run on NU starter Logan Ehlers in the third, the Huskers responded when Bryan Peters hit a 1-out RBI infield single to tie the game. Peters' hit scored Christensen, who led off the inning with a single to right field, as the shortstop finished 2-for-4 on the night. The Huskers were unable to grab the lead in the third as Cody Asche then grounded into a double play to end the inning in a 1-1 deadlock.

In the fourth, the Bears took the lead for good by scoring a pair on one hit and an error, taking the lead on an infield RBI single by Jake Miller before adding an unearned run. Ehlers came out for the fifth, but allowed back-to-back singles to start the frame to end his night after 4.0 innings, giving up five runs - two earned - on six hits while striking out three and walking two. Matt Freeman relieved Ehlers and struck out the first batter he faced before hitting Cal Towey to load the bases. Ware then roped a 1-0 pitch down the left field line to give Baylor a 6-1 lead. Freeman had a solid 1-2-3 inning in the sixth before three NU relievers - Zach Hirsch, Brandon Pierce and Sean Yost - combined to shut out the Bears over the final three innings.

The Huskers scored their second run in the ninth inning as Kurt Farmer hit a 1-out single, his second hit of the game, and later crossed home on a wild pitch by Max Garner. Nebraska was unable to continue the rally as the game ended when Garner struck out Khiry Cooper.

After dropping the first game of the series, the Huskers will look to even the three-game set on Saturday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive to the ballpark early, as members of the 2001 College World Series team will be honored prior to the game at 1:45 p.m. Fans attending Saturday's game will also have a chance to pick up a free re-print of the 2001 "Buck to the Blatt" poster that was created during the 2001 season.

Source: University of Nebraska Athletic Dept.