Nebraska battled consistently all night, but fell on a late run against the Utah Utes. Angelo Altavilla had four RBI’s to lead the Huskers, who fall to 0-2 in the Big Ten-Pac-12 Challenge.
After a Utah run in the first, Nebraska had numerous opportunities early in the contest to take advantage of starting pitcher Jayson Rose’s wildness. The Huskers would tie the game when Jake Meyers singled, stole second, advanced to third, and scored on a Luis Alvarado base hit.
With the score tied, Alex Raburn had a chance with the bases loaded in the first, but popped up to end the threat for the Huskers. On the night, the Huskers went 0-6 with the bases loaded, with four strikeouts.
Utah regained the lead in the third with a pair of runs off of starter Derek Burkamper. Three straight singles would score a run, followed by a double play would push the Utah lead out to 3-1.
The Huskers would load the bases looking to mount a comeback in both the third and fourth innings. Nebraska would get nothing as Rose managed to wiggle out of trouble with his devastating change-up.
After two straight disappointing innings, the Huskers tied the game in the fourth thanks to Altavilla. Raburn reached on a two out base hit and moved to second when Brady Childs walked. Altavilla would clear the bases with a double down the left field line.
The Utes and Huskers traded a pair of runs a piece in the seventh. Utah had a Hunter Simmons two out two single give them the lead, while Altavilla answered in the bottom with a two out two run double tie the game for the Huskers.
Chad Luensmann would come in after a leadoff single in the eighth chased Reece Eddins. Luensmann would surrender a wild pitch and a pair of hits to propel the Utes back in front. A double play would end the threat, giving the Huskers a chance.
Mojo Hagge singled to start the eighth, but was retired when Ben Miller grounded into a double play. Scott Schreiber who walked twice flew out to end the inning.
Utah added an insurance run in the ninth, while Nebraska was retired in order.
The Huskers return to battle Oregon State tomorrow afternoon with first pitch scheduled for 5:00 PM CST. Jake Meyers is scheduled to get his first start of the year for Nebraska.