Nebraska softball suffers heartbreaking loss to Texas Tech
A cruel bounce off the infield dirt and the ensuing defensive error was all that stood between Nebraska and its second win over a ranked opponent.
No. 19 Nebraska softball started strong but ultimately blew a five-run lead by allowing six runs over the final two innings of its 6-5 loss to No. 13 Texas Tech Saturday at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida.
The game's final play, a bouncing ground ball which deflected off shortstop Ava Kuszak's glove into center field, scored two runs to secure a Texas Tech (3-1) walk-off win and break Nebraska (3-1) hearts.
The late collapse was unexpected after pitcher Jordy Bahl and the Nebraska defense excelled at keeping Texas Tech off the board for most of the game. Bahl, who recorded 10 strikeouts during her 6 2/3 innings in the circle, allowed just three base hits over the game's first five innings as NU jumped out to a 5-0 lead.
There were several close calls along the way -- catcher Ava Bredwell made an athletic, diving play to stop a runner from scoring on a passed ball and Nebraska turned a double play to get out of trouble in the third inning -- but Bahl was humming.
A strong pitch mix which featured a well-timed changeup allowed Bahl to dominate as Nebraska also provided her with ample run support. Olivia DiNardo drove in three runs, including a 2-RBI single which put the Huskers ahead 2-0 in the top of the first inning, while Hannah and Lauren Camenzind each provided RBI singles of their own.
Nebraska broke through early after Texas Tech opted to start Brenlee Gonzales in the circle rather than its own All-American pitcher, NiJaree Canady. Last season's National Player of the Year at Stanford, Canaday did not pitch on Saturday after throwing 126 pitches in a loss to Mississippi State the day prior.
However, that didn't stop Canaday from making an impact.
When Texas Tech loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth inning, scoring on a fielder's choice to make it a 5-1 game, Nebraska still looked comfortable before Canaday came to the plate. All it took was one missed pitch from Bahl left over the middle of the plate for Canaday to send a three-run homer out of the ballpark.
Nebraska head coach Rhonda Revelle didn't turn to her bullpen late in the contest, instead trying to get a second complete game win out of Bahl.
The junior pitcher came within one out of doing so, having allowed a pair of singles which placed two runners in scoring position for a two-out at-bat against Texas Tech's Alana Johnson.
On a day where Nebraska committed four defensive errors, the final miscue was the costliest as a Johnson's ground ball turned into a walk-off winner.
Despite the tough loss, Nebraska can take positives away from its performance at the plate. The Huskers recorded nine base hits while striking out twice and have now totaled 36 base hits over their first four games of the season.
Nebraska has another chance for a ranked when it closes its weekend in Florida with a matchup against No. 24 Mississippi State at noon on Sunday.
