Huskers Fall Late to Badgers

The Nebraska softball team (31-14, 11-6 Big Ten) fell late to Wisconsin as the Badgers scored three in the seventh inning to win, 4-3, on Saturday afternoon. UW moved to 23-15 on the season and 8-6 in conference play.

Four of Wisconsin’s nine hits were tallied in the seventh inning. Katie Keller led the Badger offense, finishing 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run, while Ellie Hubbard and Skylar Sirdashney also added two hits on the day. 

Billie Andrews, Katelyn Caneda and Ava Bredwell all finished with two hits to lead the Big Red offense, while Brooke Andrews added a two-run triple. 

Sarah Harness (10-5) went the distance for the Huskers in the circle, recording the loss. Harness gave up nine hits and four runs (three earned) while striking out three. 

Paytn Monticelli moved to 6-2 on the season, earning the win for the Badgers. Monticelli pitched 6.0 innings, allowing nine hits and three runs (two earned). Maddie Schwartz recorded a save, pitching the final inning and giving up no hits. 

The Huskers loaded the bases with one outs in the third inning after singles a lead off walk and singles from Billie Andrews and Caneda. However, two infield flies and a ground out stranded the runners as the game remained tied at 0-0. 

Nebraska was the first to score with one run in the fourth. With one out, Bredwell hit a single down the left field line. Alina Felix reached on a Badger error as Bredwell advanced to third. Felix stole second and a throwing error by Wisconsin allowed Bredwell to come home, giving NU the 1-0 lead.

Wisconsin tied the game up in the top of the fifth. With two outs, Sirdashney hit a single to second base. Keller doubled to right field, scoring Sirdashney, and tying the game at 1-1. 

The Big Red responded with two runs in the bottom of the fifth. Caneda led off with a single to right field. Sydney Gray reached on a walk. Mya Felder hit a sacrifice bunt, moving the runners to second and third. Brooke Andrews followed with a triple to right center, scoring two, and giving the Huskers the 3-1 lead. 

The Badgers took the lead for the first time in the top of the seventh with three runs. Kate Linkletter led off with a double down the left field line. Sirdashney followed with a single, advancing the runner to third. Keller singled to right field, scoring Linkletter. Sirdashney scored on the play after a throwing error by Nebraska while Keller advanced to third. A ground out scored the third run of the inning as Wisconsin took the 4-3 advantage. 

Nebraska looked to rally in the bottom of the seventh, but three straight outs secured the 4-3 Badger win. 

The Huskers return to action for the final game of the series against the Badgers on Sunday, April 23, at 12 p.m. (CT). Fans can listen to the action live on the Huskers Radio Network and Huskers.com with the call from Nate Rohr and Mattie Fowler Burkhardt. The game will also be streamed live on BTN+ (subscription required).