The race for the top of the Big Ten goes right through Lincoln, Nebraska. The Huskers and the Michigan Wolverines began a three game series on Thursday night with a lot on the line. Coming into the series, Michigan owned first place while Nebraska was tied for third.
As expected, it was a competitive game from start to finish. Michigan jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead but Nebraska tied it up in the second inning. That score remained all the way through six and a half innings before Nebraska broke it open in the seventh.
It looked like it could be a long night for Matt Waldron at the start of the game. Michigan had scored one run in the first inning with no outs and had runners on second and third. Waldron was able to get out of the inning without giving up any more runs. That first inning could’ve gone south fast, but Waldron’s ability to compose himself proved to be the difference in the game.
Waldron was able to settle in to go for 6.2 innings and 104 total pitches. He gave up six hits, two runs and three strikeouts. The senior pitcher exited the game to a loud standing ovation in the top of the seventh inning.
Then things got wild in the bottom of the seventh. The game was tied at two before Alex Henwood laid down a bunt and the Huskers scored two runs on a Michigan throwing error. This was the mostly costly of the three Michigan errors on the night. Cam Chick added an RBI single to extend the lead, 5-2.
The score held for the final two innings and Nebraska took Game 1 from the first place Wolverines. Angelo Altavilla capped the game off with a highlight double play and fist pump of emotion.
Ballgame.#GBR ⚾️🌽 pic.twitter.com/tjlm6dVagi
— Nebraska Baseball (@Husker_Baseball) May 17, 2019
The Huskers have found more consistent offense as of late and one big reason is the play of Henwood. He continues to provide a needed spark at the bottom of the lineup.
“I feel very comfortable at the plate and I’m just trying to make the most of these last few at bats,” Henwood said post-game about his confidence.
It was an emotional win for Nebraska for many reasons, especially for seniors like Waldron.
“It was joy and a little bit of sadness knowing it was the last time,” he said.
The Huskers have a short turnaround as they come back for a doubleheader with the Wolverines on Friday. The first game will start at 3:00 p.m. CT, with the second following at 8:02 p.m. CT.
We will play a doubleheader on Friday to finish our series with Michigan.
First pitch times are 3:00 p.m. and 8:02 p.m. Friday's ticket gets you into both games.#GBR pic.twitter.com/pWDyVrDHIy
— Nebraska Baseball (@Husker_Baseball) May 17, 2019
