Friday Afternoon Open Thread: Diamond Action Edition

Both diamond sports are in action this afternoon as Nebraska Softball looks to move into the semifinals of the BIG Tournament, while Baseball welcomes Penn State to Lincoln for a three game series. Softball first pitch is scheduled for 4:30 while baseball starts at 6:35.

Nebraska advanced last night in the BIG Softball Tournament by beating Purdue 8-0 in five innings. Nebraska, the number five seed in the tournament let Purdue keep the game close in the first three innings before scoring eight runs in the final two frames. Senior Emily Lockman recorded her second shutout of the season, blanking Purdue while only allowing five hits.

With the win, the Huskers get a strong Penn State team. On paper the Huskers and the Lions look evenly matched. Nebraska went 6-5 against common conference opponents, while Penn State went 6-6. The Huskers and Lions did not play each other this season.

Back in Lincoln, Nebraska will welcome Penn State baseball to town for a three game series. The Huskers are a single game ahead of the Nittany Lions in the standings. Nebraska will send Derek Burkamper out to face Nick Hedge. Hedge, a left handed pitcher has started seven contests, working to a 2.58 ERA.

Friday, May 13 (6:35 p.m. CT)
Probable Starters: RHP Burkamper (5-1) vs. LHP Hedge (4-2)
TV: None
Audio Stream: Huskers.com | Video Stream: HuskersNSide
Radio: Husker Sports Network