Stringer Powers White to Series Finale Win

Lincoln – After being limited to just two runs on four hits through the first two games of the Red-White Series, the White offense exploded for 10 runs on 14 hits in the series finale on Thursday night at Hawks Field with a 10-2 win to avoid a sweep in front of 1,237 passionate Husker fans who showed up for a scrimmage in chilly temperatures.

Corey Stringer paced the Whites’ offense with a 3-for-4 performance at the plate and five RBIs. Ty Kildow also produced three hits, while Austin Darby, Matt Leuty and Christian Cox each notched a pair of hits, including a double by Leuty.

While the White offense heated up, the Reds’ cooled down with two runs on four hits after totaling nine runs on 15 hits through the first two games. Ryan Boldt continued to swing a hot stick, as the freshman blasted the lone home run of the series, a solo shot to leadoff the third inning.

White starter Colton Howell earned the win, as he gave up a pair of runs on two hits over 3.1 innings of work. Luke Bublitz, Josh Roeder and Michael Hoppes combined to throw 3.2 innings of shutout relief to preserve the victory.

With the conclusion of the fall season, the Huskers now enter winter conditioning to continue preparation for the 2014 season. The Huskers open the year in Tempe, Ariz., at the Husker Classic, where they meet Pacific on Friday, Feb. 14, for the season opener. NU then meets Oregon State and Gonzaga on Saturday, before wrapping up the weekend against Gonzaga on Sunday.

Nebraska’s 2014 home opener is set for Tuesday, March 4, when the Kansas State Wildcats travel to Hawks Field for a 1:35 p.m. start.