Huskers Open Big Ten Play Against Spartans

After sweeping Air Force in a two game midweek series, the Nebraska baseball team (8-7) opens conference play against the Michigan State Spartans (3-15). The Huskers and Spartans will play a doubleheader on Friday, while finishing the series on Saturday due to anticipated weather in Lincoln.

Michigan State has gotten off to a 3-15 start this year. The Spartans are led by a pair of .300 hitters in Royce Ando and Bryce Kelley. Marty Bechina and Adam Proctor are tied for the lead with three home runs a piece for Michigan State.

Nebraska catches a break as the Spartans best pitcher will not be starting this weekend. Mike Mokma who has picked up one of the Spartans three wins this year is not in the starting rotation. Mokma held Ohio State to one run in a complete game effort earlier this year.

Mason Erla and Mitchell Tyranski will start the doubleheader for the Spartans. Junior college transfer Jarrett Olson will start the series finale against the Huskers on Saturday.

Erla threw 5.0 innings against the Huskers and picked up a no decision. Erla has started five games this season for the Spartans picking up a win to go along with three losses. The good news for the Huskers is that they have seen Erla before and should be able to get some quality swings against them.

Tyranski came on last season against the Huskers in relief. He struck out nine Huskers over four innings to pick up a save against Nebraska. Tyranksi started last weekend against Connecticut and picked up a loss. He had appeared in five games previously as a reliever.

Olson is a similar story to Tyranski. He also picked up his first start of the year last weekend. In similar fashion to Tyranski, he also picked up a loss against Connecticut. Olson and Tyranski are left handed pitchers, something the Huskers have struggled with at times in the past.

Matt Waldron and Nate Fisher will start the doubleheader for the Huskers. Waldron has been the Huskers best pitcher all year, while Fisher threw eight no hit innings his last time out. Nebraska has not announced a starter for series finale.

The Huskers have to like their chances to start Big Ten play with a winning record. The Huskers get a Michigan State team that was swept last weekend against Connecticut. Michigan State only bats .233 as a team, while their pitching staff has allowed opponents to connect at a .311 clip.

Michigan State (3-15) at Nebraska (8-7)

March 22-23, 2019

Hawks Field at Haymarket Park • Lincoln, Neb.

Friday, March 22 (Doubleheader Game 1) • 3:05 p.m. (CT)

Video Stream: BTN Plus

Radio: Husker Sports Network

Matt Waldron (2-0) vs. Mason Erla (1-3)

Friday, March 22 (Doubleheader Game 2)

Video Stream: BTN Plus

Radio: Husker Sports Network

Nate Fisher (2-1) vs. Mitchell Tyranski (0-3)

Saturday, March 23 • 2:05 p.m. (CT)

Video Stream: BTN Plus

Radio: Husker Sports Network

TBA vs. Jarret Olson (0-2)