Early Runs Lead Huskers Past Aggies

Lincoln ? Behind an opportunistic offense and another solid outing from junior right-hander Ashley DeBuhr, the No. 17 Nebraska softball team manufactured a 3-2 victory over 15th-ranked Texas A&M after a delayed start Saturday afternoon at Bowlin Stadium.

 

With the win, Nebraska solidified its grasp on second place in the league standings. The Huskers improved to 38-8 overall and 11-4 in the Big 12 Conference with their sixth straight victory, while Texas A&M fell to 32-15 and 11-6.

 

After tossing a no-hitter in her last start, DeBuhr allowed eight hits but surrendered only two runs in improving to 21-6 on the season. She also struck out seven Aggies, who lead the league in fewest strikeouts per game. Aggie All-American and reigning Big 12 Player of the Year Amanda Scarborough (15-8) took the loss, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits in a complete-game effort.

 

Texas A&M had the game's first scoring chance when it threatened in the top of the third. The Aggies loaded the bases with three consecutive one-out hits before the Huskers nearly turned an inning-ending double play when it appeared junior shortstop Devin Porter had tagged the baserunner heading to third before throwing home to record an out. It was ruled that Porter had missed the tag, but DeBuhr promptly struck out Scarborough to end the inning.

 

Nebraska then plated three runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 3-0 lead. Junior Carmen Kier was hit by a pitch to lead off and seniors Lizzy Aumua and Jessica Yoachim followed with back-to-back infield singles to load the bases. Junior Jamie Waldecker then reached on an RBI fielder’s choice and everyone was safe on the play and Aumua also scored when the throw to second got away.

 

After freshman Crystal Carwile was hit by a pitch to load the bases and senior Trisha Tannahill reached on a fielder’s choice where the Aggies recorded a force out at home, Yoachim then scored the Huskers’ third run of the game when she scored after A&M third baseman Jamie Hinshaw missed third base as she attempted to record a force out on junior pinch runner Jaime Borg.

 

The Aggies rallied with a pair of two-out runs in the top of the sixth to close the gap to 3-2. Rocky Spender recorded an RBI double to put Texas A&M on the board and after she advanced to third on a wild pitch, Jami Lobpries brought her home with an RBI single.

 

A&M put runners at first and second after two quick outs in the seventh, before DeBuhr coaxed a fly out from Scarborough to end the inning.

 

Aumua paced the NU offense with a 2-for-3 day, extending her career-high hitting streak to 10 games.

 

Nebraska and Texas A&M wrap up their series tomorrow at Noon, on a game that will be televised live in the state of Nebraska on NET-2 and nationally on a tape-delayed basis by CSTV.