The Nebraska softball team (8-6) was dominant Saturday night in a 15-0 run-rule victory over New Mexico (6-7). The Huskers used an eight-hit eight-run first inning to power past the Lobos in their fourth game of the Troy Cox Classic in Las Cruces, N.M.
10 Huskers combined for 13 hits including seven extra-base hits. Billie Andrews, Caitlynn Neal and Katelyn Caneda all notched two hits while Andrews led the Big Red with four RBIs. The junior finished with two doubles and one homer.
As the Big Red dominated offensively, Kaylin Kinney had an impressive showing in the circle as she moved to 1-1 on the season. The junior recorded a career-best eight strikeouts while shutting out the Lobos.
Taylor Snow (1-2) was in the circle for the Lobos, recording the loss. Snow pitched 0.2 innings, giving up eight hits and eight runs.
The Big Red dominated the first inning recording eight hits and eight runs. All nine Huskers in the lineup reached base. After Billie and Brooke Andrews recorded outs, the Huskers went on to put 13 Huskers on base. Caitlynn Neal and Courtney Wallace started with singles followed by a two-run double from Mya Felder. Ava Bredwell added a single, scoring Felder and advancing to second on the throw. Sydney Gray hit a single up the middle, scoring Bredwell. Katelyn Caneda hit a single while Alina Felix hit a two-run double. Billie Andrews cleared the bases with a two-run homer to center field. The Lobos made a pitching change as Bella Mitchell entered the circle. Mitchell walked Brooke Andrews and Neal before hitting Wallace to load the bases. A flyout from Felder ended the inning as NU went ahead, 8-0.
The Lobos looked to respond, reaching scoring position after two singles with two outs. However, Kinney recorded a strikeout to strand two for New Mexico.
Nebraska added one more in the second. Bredwell was walked and advanced to third after two wild pitches. On a passed ball, Bredwell scored to make it 9-0. Samantha Fohrman entered the game in the circle for New Mexico, forcing two ground outs and getting the Lobos out of the inning.
NU added five more runs in the third inning. Brooke Andrews led off with a walk, but she got out on the next play as Neal reached on a fielder’s choice. Talia Tokheim entered as a pinch hitter, adding a single to left field. Felder was walked to load the bases. Bredwell was hit by a pitch, scoring Neal. Gray followed with a walk, scoring Tokheim. Caneda hit a single to center field, scoring two while a ground out from Billie Andrews scored one. The Huskers took a 14-0 lead into the bottom half of the inning.
Caitlynn Neal opened the fourth inning with her first triple of the season to center field, but the Huskers were unable to capitalize, marking the first scoreless inning for NU of the game.
After holding the Lobos scoreless in the fourth, Nebraska added one more in the fifth. Ashley Smetter led off with a double and scored after Billie Andrews added a double of her own. The Huskers went into the bottom of the fifth ahead, 15-0.
Kinney held New Mexico in the final inning, recording two strikeouts and forcing a ground out as the Huskers secured the 15-0 run-rule victory.
The Huskers return to action Sunday, Feb. 26 to face New Mexico in NU’s final game of the Troy Cox Classic. First pitch is set for 10 a.m. and fans can listen to the action live on the Huskers Radio Network and Huskers.com with the call from Nate Rohr.
Game Notes
Nebraska tallied 15 runs in tonight’s win. This marked the most runs scored this season.
The last time Nebraska scored 15 runs was on March 29, 2022 against Creighton.
The Huskers recorded seven extra-base hits in tonight’s game including five doubles, one triple and one home run.
The win marked the third run-rule victory for the Huskers this season.
The game also marked the fifth shutout of the 2023 season.
Billie Andrews hit two doubles in tonight’s game, marking the first time the junior has hit two doubles in one game.
NU outscored opponents 25-1 during day two of the Troy Cox Classic.
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