Huskers' Comeback Falls Short in 12-11 loss to Aztecs

Peoria, Ariz. -- The Nebraska baseball team overcame a five-run deficit to tie the game in the top of the ninth but fell just short in a 12-11 loss to San Diego State in front of a crowd of 375 in the Showdown in the Desert at the Peoria Sports Complex on Sunday afternoon.

The Huskers (1-2) trailed 11-6 after four innings before mounting a furious comeback that almost helped them to their second come-from-behind victory in three days at the Arizona tournament. The three-hour-45-minute marathon game featured 10 pitchers, 28 hits, eight errors, 23 runs and three ties in a game NU never led.

Down 11-9 entering the ninth inning, junior Jamal Strong reached first when Aztec shortstop Edgar Gonzalez bobbled a grounder and fired late to first. Strong led the Huskers on the afternoon with four hits and he reached base in all six at bats, also reaching on two errors. Junior Adam Shabala tried to bunt for a base hit, but was thrown out as Strong advanced to second.

Danny Kimura followed with a triple deep into right-center that scored Strong and cut the deficit to 11-10. The Nebraska rally continued when Jeff Hedman earned his third walk of the game. With Kimura on third and pinch runner Adam Stern on first, Ken Harvey grounded to short and reached on a fielder's choice that scored Kimura to tie the contest at 11.

In the bottom of the ninth, SDSU's John Pashales doubled off Husker reliever Steve Hale, who had retired the first nine batters he faced since entering the game in the sixth inning, to lead off the inning. After Matt Ricardy was intentionally walked, Brian Manfred hit a deep ball to center field that advanced the runners to second and third. Edgar Gonzalez was intentionally walked to load the bases before Ryan Hurd hit a base hit over the Husker outfield to provide the game winner. It was the second straight time Nebraska lost during the opponents' final at bat.

"This was a learning weekend for us," NU Coach Dave Van Horn said. "We never gave up at any point all weekend and that shows the character of this team. On Saturday and Sunday we just needed a big hit to break the game open and we didn't get it. That will come down the road."

Against the Aztecs, Nebraska stranded four runners at third base and left 13 runners on base for the game.

The Huskers feel behind early as San Diego State scored two runs in the first inning. NU tied the contest in the third inning on run-scoring singles by Shabala and Kimura, who finished the game with four RBI.

After three innings, Nebraska trailed 6-2, but tied the game for a second time with a four-run fourth inning. In the inning, Will Bolt doubled home Brandt Vlieger and Brian Johnson with one out. Strong reached on a sharp single that deflected off the pitcher and with runners on first and second, Bolt scored on a Shabala single to right. Kimura hit a sacrifice fly that scored Strong to the game at six.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Aztecs scored five runs before the Huskers mounted their comeback which fell just short.

Nebraska hits the road again next Friday with a doubleheader against Louisiana Tech in Ruston, La. The Huskers also play Lamar on Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14, at J.C. Love Field in Ruston.