Oregon State completed the sweep Sunday morning — going 4-0 against Nebraska on the weekend — and Game 4 was a pretty good summary of the series. Nebraska showed flashes of a team that could compete but was ultimately outmatched, falling 8-3.
Colby Gomes got his second start of the season, but Nebraska ultimately went through four pitchers on the day. Reece Eddins came in and provided three good innings of work, notching five strikeouts and giving up just one hit.
Joe Acker was a spark for the Nebraska offense in Game 4, going 3-of-4 at the plate. Aaron Palensky has had immediate impact in the first two series of the season as well. He went 2-of-4 with a double on Sunday against the Beavers.
This was a series that Oregon State really controlled from start to finish, outscoring Nebraska 38-9 through the four games. The Huskers would only lead for half an inning the entire series.
Here are three quick takeaways from Nebraska’s series with Oregon State.
Nebraska has to avoid “The Big Inning”
In each game of the series with Oregon State, Nebraska seemed to have one inning where things completely unraveled. One bad inning can really shatter the confidence of a team, especially against an Oregon State squad that leaves no room for error.
The Huskers need to have more consistent play going forward. This is easier said than done, but it will be important for Nebraska to not let a two-run inning suddenly get worse and turn into a five-run inning.
Mike Waldron has found his groove
Mike Waldron is tied with Nate Fisher for the most innings pitched on the Nebraska roster. Waldron leads the team with 12 strikeouts and holds an impressive earned run average (ERA) of 2.25. The senior has made the most of the time he has been given so far. Look for him to continue to be a staple for the Husker pitching staff as the season goes on.
Aaron Palensky belongs
The sophomore is a neat story, especially considering that he played at Southeast Community College last year. Palensky is a newcomer who has shown early that he deserves to be on this Nebraska team. He is batting .333 in the cleanup position through eight games.
Palensky has only four strikeouts in 33 at bats so even when he doesn't get on base, he is hitting the ball well.
Nebraska heads to Frisco, Texas next weekend for the Frisco College Baseball Classic. The Huskers’ first game is set for 7 p.m. CT on Friday against Texas Tech.
