Huskers Fall to Longhorns, 6-0

<?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Lincoln ? Cat Osterman tossed a complete-game one-hit shutout and fifth-ranked Texas pounded out six runs on 10 hits in defeating the 22nd-ranked Nebraska softball team 6-0 in front of 990 fans at Bowlin Stadium on Saturday afternoon.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

 

The Longhorns’ 10 hits were the most allowed by Nebraska (21-12, 1-3 Big 12) this season. Sophomore right-hander Ashley DeBuhr (12-10) took the loss for Nebraska, allowing four runs (one earned) on seven hits in three innings. Freshman right-hander Jordan Keen made her Big 12 debut in relief, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits in four innings.

 

Osterman, the 2003 National Player of the Year and 2004 Olympic gold medalist, improved to 14-3 with the win and added 14 strikeouts for the Longhorns (27-5, 2-1). She has recorded at least 13 strikeouts in each of 16 starts this season.

 

Texas used four consecutive one-out singles to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the second. Desiree Williams started the hit parade with a single to left and pinch runner Lacy Robinson scored the game’s first run on an RBI single by Melanie Jarrett.

 

The Longhorns added three unearned runs in the third to push their lead to 4-0. Rachael Cook reached on a two-out single and scored when Williams hit a fly ball to short center field that popped out of the glove of NU center fielder Trisha Tannahill. Christina Gwyn followed with a two-run home run to center field.

 

Nebraska threatened in the fourth inning but was unable to produce a run. Junior Jessica Yoachim laid down a perfect bunt and beat out the throw to first for the Huskers’ lone hit of the game. The hit was Yoachim’s 100th of her career. She then stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch, but was stranded at third after sophomore Jamie Waldecker went down on strikes.

 

UT struck again in the sixth, adding two runs to make the score 6-0. Megan Willis was hit by a pitch with one out and advanced to third on a double by Melanie Jarrett. After a strikeout, Amber Hall hit a ground ball up the middle. NU shortstop Devin Porter made a great diving stop for Nebraska but her throw to first was wild and both runners came home.

 

The Huskers picked up their second base runner of the game when freshman Cassie Kleinsmith drew a one-out walk in the bottom of the sixth. She stole second on strike three to senior Anne Steffan before making the third out after getting caught in a rundown between second and third.

 

Senior Sheena Lawrick drew a one-out walk in the bottom of the seventh, but Osterman struck out Waldecker and senior pinch runner Kira Boerkircher was caught stealing to end the game.

 

The two teams wrap up the series tomorrow at Noon at Bowlin Stadium.