Ten-Run Fourth Propels Huskers to 10-2 Rout

Stillwater, Okla. - The 22nd-ranked Nebraska softball team (21-11, 1-0) used a season-high 10-run fourth inning to defeat Oklahoma State (19-16, 0-1), 10-2 in five innings on Saturday in the Big 12 Conference opener for both teams. The Huskers pounded out eight hits in the inning, including back-to-back home runs by sophomore Katie Linke and senior Peaches James and a grand slam by junior Sheena Lawrick.

James, a right-hander from Papillion, picked up her 16th victory of the season and helped NU end a three-game losing streak to OSU. The Big 12 Pitcher of the Week the last two weeks, James (16-5) allowed two runs in a complete-game effort. James struck out nine Cowgirls, including a monumental strikeout in the second inning.

James moved into a tie for third place in school history with her 708th career strikeout in the second inning. After striking out two Cowgirls in the first inning, James struck out Stephanie Nicholson with one out in the second to tie Jenny Voss, who also collected 708 strikeouts from 1997 to 2000. James earned sole possession of third just one batter later when she struck out Jade Lindly for her 709th career strikeout.

After collecting four hits and a walk, but failing to score in the first three innings, Nebraska exploded in the fourth.

Sophomore Katie Linke came through with another key hit for the Huskers. Leading off the inning, Linke fell behind in the count before lining a 1-2 pitch from OSU starter Jessica Hoppock over the wall in left to put NU up 1-0. James followed with a solo home run of her own, a towering shot to left center off a 2-2 pitch. The back-to-back homers marked the second time this season Nebraska has hit back-to-back home runs. Lawrick and senior Nicole Trimboli hit back-to-back home runs in the third inning against Utah on March 7.

 

Senior Liz Lawhorn then doubled down the left field line and senior Brittney Yolo and sophomore Jessica Yoachim followed with singles to load the bases. Junior Anne Steffan then picked up an RBI and reached first on an error by the shortstop Stephanie Nicholson.  With the bases loaded and the score 3-0, the Cowgirls picked up the first out of the inning, forcing out Yolo at home on Trimboli’s grounder to first. Lawrick put the Huskers up 7-0 with a grand slam home run to right field. The homer was the second grand slam of the year for NU and the third home run of the inning.

 

Oklahoma State then brought in Kristen Neil to relieve Hoppock. Neil promptly walked sophomore Trisha Tannahill and Linke, who came up for the second time in the inning. Following a ground out by James, Lawhorn came through with her second hit of the inning, a two-run single to put Nebraska up 9-0. Pinch hitter Jocelyn Evans drew a walk before Yoachim singled for the second time in the inning. On the play, Lawhorn scored when Neil’s late throw to first sailed over the head of the first baseman. Steffan grounded out to end the inning, which saw Nebraska score 10 runs on eight hits.

For the game, NU had 12 hits, its third-highest total this season. Lawhorn led the way with a 3-for-3 effort, while Yoachim and Lawrick also had multi-hit games. Lawrick finished the night 2-for-2 with four RBIs, a run scored and two walks. The Huskers tied a season-high by drawing seven walks against the Cowgirls. NU also drew seven walks against Manhattan College on Feb. 20.

The same two teams meet tomorrow at 1 p.m. in the final game of the series. Live stats, live radio and video streaming will be available on Huskers.com.