Irish Snap Husker Win Streak

<?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Lincoln, Neb. ? Sophomore right-hander Summer Tobias gave up just four hits and didn’t allow an earned run, but the No. 19 Nebraska softball team couldn’t overcome a sixth-inning defensive breakdown and suffered a 2-0 loss to Notre Dame Tuesday afternoon at Bowlin Stadium. The Fighting Irish scored two unearned runs in the sixth, snapping the Huskers’ 12-game winning streak.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

 

Nebraska fell to 30-12 overall and 1-3 to Notre Dame in 2004. All three of the Huskers’ losses to the Fighting Irish this season have been by two runs or less. Notre Dame improved to 32-12 on the season.

 

Stephanie Stenglein (13-7) was the winning pitcher, holding the Huskers scoreless on four hits in 5.1 innings of work. Wisen gave up one hit in 1.2 innings of relief to pick up her first save of the season.

 

Sophomore right-hander Summer Tobias took the loss, falling to 5-6. Tobias did not allow an earned run in the complete-game effort. She gave up just four hits and struck out three.

 

With the Huskers trailing 2-0 with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, junior second baseman Anne Steffan tapped a 3-2 pitch for a bunt single. However, Carrie Wisen struck out pinch hitter Brittney Yolo to secure the win for Notre Dame.

 

Steffan led Nebraska offensively, collecting two of the Huskers’ five hits. Sophomore third baseman Jessica Yoachim, sophomore outfielder Trisha Tannahill and junior designated player Jocelyn Evans each produced one hit.

 

Notre Dame broke a scoreless stalemate in then top of the sixth when it scored two unearned runs. With one out and a runner on first, Brown reached safely on a fielder’s choice. Tobias attempted to throw Sara Schoonaert out at second but overthrew Steffan, who was covering the bag. Schoonaert continued on to third, and then scored on another Nebraska throwing error. Stephanie Brown, who advanced to third on the errors, then scored on a sacrifice fly by Nicole deFau.

 

The Huskers had their best chance to score in the bottom of the sixth. Yoachim led off with a bunt single. After Trimboli flied out to right, Tannahill fouled off four pitches before ripping a 3-2 pitch to right field for a single. With runners at the corners and Jamie Waldecker at the plate, Tannahill stole second. Stenglein then walked Waldecker to load the bases for Peaches James. Notre Dame opted to bring in Wisen, who struck out James. Evans then grounded out to short for the third out, leaving the bases loaded.

 

Nebraska will try to bounce back from the loss Saturday, April 17, when they face Oklahoma at 3:30 p.m. at Bowlin Stadium.