Huskers Open 2014 with 5-3 Win Over Pacific

Tempe, Ariz. – For the first time since 2009, the Nebraska baseball team started the season with a win, as the Huskers posted a 5-3 win over the Pacific Tigers on Friday afternoon at Tempe Diablo Stadium, the Spring Training home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Over 2,000 Husker fans enjoyed an opening day victory, as seven Huskers produced a hit, while freshman Ryan Boldt delivered three RBIs.

Senior Michael Pritchard and Boldt led the Huskers with a combined three triples, including a pair from Pritchard.

Pritchard became the first Husker to notch two triples in a game since Jeff Leise against Western Michigan on March 26, 2002. Pritchard delivered a two-out triple in the bottom of the first, which extended his on-base streak to 43 consecutive games dating back to last season.

Boldt came through when the Huskers’ first RBIs of the season in the bottom of the fourth with NU down 3-0. After Pacific starter Mike Hager walked Christian Cox to load the bases with two outs, Boldt blasted a 0-1 offering deep to center field. The 420-foot wall kept the ball in the park, but the Red Wing, Minn., native easily coasted into third, clearing the bases to tie the game 3-3.

Four Husker relievers then combined to throw 4.2 innings of shutout relief, capped off by a scoreless ninth from Josh Roeder, who earned the save. Newcomer Bob Greco picked up his first win at Nebraska, as the senior from Papillion threw two innings of scoreless relief with three strikeouts.

Nebraska took its first lead of the game in the top of the seventh on Pritchard’s second triple of the day. Santa Barbara, Calif., product Steven Reveles picked up his first hit as a Husker, a one-out single, and then scored on Pritchard three-bagger to give the Huskers a 4-3 lead. Pritchard then crossed the plate on a sacrifice fly from Pat Kelly.

The Huskers return to Tempe Diablo Stadium for a pair of games against No. 2 Oregon State and Gonzaga. The Huskers and Beavers kickoff the day at Noon p.m. (CT), before meeting the Zags at 5 p.m. Greg Sharpe and Lane Grindle will have the call on the Husker Sports Network, including Huskers.com and the Official Husker App.