Indiana softball traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska, over the weekend, looking to snap No. 22 Nebraska’s four-game winning streak.
The Hoosiers’ explosive offense and solid defense allowed them to do just that in the first game of the series with a 6-2 victory over the Cornhuskers on Friday. The Hoosiers outhit the Cornhuskers by five hits, holding the home team to just four hits on the day.
However, the second game of the series proved to be a completely different result for the Hoosiers.
On Saturday, the Hoosiers were outscored 12-4 and ultimately defeated by run rule in five innings. Despite getting seven hits in the game, Indiana was unable to limit Nebraska’s offense.
The Cornhuskers led throughout the game but took full control after a seven-run third inning to pull away with a 10-run lead. After allowing just four hits and two runs Friday, Indiana gave up 13 hits and 12 runs in Saturday’s contest.
Nebraska had a balanced team offensive performance in the matchup. Seven different Cornhuskers tallied a hit on the day with six different players recording an RBI. Sophomore infielder and outfielder Samantha Bland tallied a game-high four RBIs in the contest.
Indiana came into the matchup leading the nation in batting average, doubles per game and on-base percentage. However, in the second matchup of the series, the Hoosiers were unable to capitalize with runners on base.
The Hoosiers had a missed opportunity in the top of the first inning of the second game of the series. After two walks and senior pitcher/utility player Brianna Copeland’s single, the bases were loaded. However, Indiana failed to score any runs in the inning.
Senior outfielder Taylor Minnick was the first Hoosier to put runs on the board in the contest Saturday, hitting her 40th career home run in the third inning. However, it was not enough to threaten the Cornhuskers’ 11-1 lead.
While the Hoosiers couldn’t capitalize in the second game of the series, they did still split the series and picked up a win over a ranked opponent.
The Hoosiers will look to bounce back and pick up their 30th win of the season in a mid-week game at 6 p.m. Wednesday against Ball State University at Andy Mohr Field in Bloomington. The game will be streamed on Big Ten+.
