Huskers beat Rutgers 9-7 in Big Ten Tourney Opener

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Fourth-seeded Nebraska Huskers opened play in the Big Ten Baseball Tournament against fifth-seeded Rutgers at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha Wednesday afternoon, winning an up and down game 9-7 over the Scarlet Knights. The game was highlighted by a combined 15 walks between the two teams, with the Huskers belting two timely home runs, including a game-tying home run in the 7th inning.

The Huskers opened up quickly, plating three runs in the bottom of the first on a Charlie Fischer home run. This came after a review overturned a call at first, giving Fischer the opportunity to homer to left after Gabe Swansen walked.

It was all zeroes after that until Rutgers plated 3 runs in the top of the 5th, with another 3 runs coming in the top of the 7th to go up 6-3.

The bottom of the 7th proved fruitful for the Huskers, with a hit by pitch to Casey Burnham, a Max Anderson double, and then a Gabe Swansen home run to left center tied the game at 6-6. The Huskers then staged a two out ralley, loading the bases with a Ben Columbus single + two walks. Three runs came across over the next 3 batters as Rutgers’ pitching struggled to find the plate, walking in two runs and allowing another with the second hit by pitch of the inning.

Rutgers threatened in the top of the 8th, plating one run, before an outstanding double play ended the inning. Husker pitcher Will Walsh recorded the last 3 outs for the Huskers.

The Huskers now will play number one seed Maryland after they beat Michigan State 3-2 on Tuesday. That game will be on Thursday at 6 PM and will be broadcast on BTN.

The Huskers and Rutgers matchup was the first meeting between the two programs in the Big Ten Tournament.

The 2023 tournament marks the eighth time Huskers have appeared in since joining the Big Ten in 2012.

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