Mariot, Huskers Top Southeast Missouri State

Lincoln - It was just like old times at Hawks Field Friday night, as Nebraska's Michael Mariot fanned a career-high 12 hitters over eight innings to lift the Huskers to a 6-2 victory over Southeast Missouri State.

With two-time All-American Shane Komine throwing out the first pitch, Mariot's performance evoked memories of Komine's dominant Friday night efforts.  Mariot (5-5) scattered five hits and struck out the side in three of the first four innings against a Redhawks team that that was sixth nationally in hitting. The five hits was SEMO's second-lowest output of the year, and the 13 strikeouts that Mariot and Yost combined for was the most the Redhawks in a game this season.

Mariot has pitched into the seventh or later in each of his last 10 performances, while his 12 strikeouts bettered his previous high of nine set against Texas A&M last week. He has also now tied or set season highs in strikeouts in four of his last five outings, and the 12 strikeouts was NU's highest single-game performance since Mike Nesseth fanned 12 against Sam Houston State on Feb. 29, 2009.

"That was a very efficient and effective performance," Nebraska Coach Mike Anderson said. "He filled the zone all night and had only one walk. He kept the ball in the strike zone and started changing speeds, which was very good. You have to build confidence, especially against a good offensive team like that, and I thought he brought confidence."

While Mariot kept a potent offense in check, Nebraska (21-24) put all six of its runs up in the fourth and fifth innings against SEMO starter Nick Thomas, who suffered his first loss in seven decisions. Adam Bailey and Cody Asche both homered in the win, while DJ Belfonte had two hits, as NU out-hit the Redhawks, 7-5.

Southeast Missouri State took a 1-0 lead in the third, as Ky Burgess doubled to right and eventually scored on Kenton Parmley's groundout to shortstop.

The Huskers got the run back and them some in the fourth, scoring four times to take the lead for good, as NU had four hits - all going for extra-bases - in the inning. Bailey knotted the game with his 16th homer of the season, a solo shot to center, to open the inning. After a Kale Kiser bloop double, Josh Scheffert gave NU a 2-1 lead, scoring Kiser with a double to left. Khiry Cooper then made it 3-1 with a two-out RBI double to right before scoring moments on a Redhawk error on Bryan Peters' grounder to extend the margin to 4-1.

SEMO cut the lead to 4-2 in the top of the fifth, as Parmley, who went 3-for-4 and drove in both runs for the visitors, lofted a solo homer to center.

Nebraska extended the lead to four runs in the fifth, as Kiser, who reached safely in three of his four plate appearances, drew a two-out walk and strolled home on Cody Asche's eighth home of the season, a line shot off the back of the right field bullpen.

Thomas took the loss, allowing five earned runs on seven hits over six innings to fall to 6-1 on the season.

The Huskers will look for the series win Saturday afternoon, as Tom Lemke looks for his sixth victory. First pitch is at 2:05 p.m. and the game will be carried on the Husker Sports Network and Huskers.com.