Sillman Helps Huskers Rebound with 12-1 Victory

Shreveport, La. - Mike Sillman made the most of his first career start, allowing one runs in eight innings of work, as fifth-ranked Nebraska concluded its five-game swing through Louisiana with a 4-1 record, downing Centenary, 12-1, at Shehee Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Sillman, a freshman from Millard South who had thrown just 7.1 innings in his first four appearances, scatted six hits and allowed one run, a solo homer by Nick Grenda in the sixth, throwing 95 pitches to pick up his first collegiate victory for the Huskers, who improve to 16-4 on the season, their best start since 1988. With the loss, Centenary falls to 8-15-1.

"Mike gave us exactly what we needed today," Nebraska Coach Dave Van Horn said. "Playing five games in six days, we didn't have a lot in the bullpen, but Mike gave us eight strong innings. Early on, he was able to get through quickly, throwing four pitches one inning and six in another. He had all of his pitches working, especially when he got ahead of hitters."

"I had a great defense behind me today," Sillman said, as the Huskers who turned a pair of double plays to thwart Gent rallies. "I was able to throw strikes and knew they would make the plays out there."

While Sillman handcuffed the Gents offense, sophomore centerfielder Jeff Leise paced the Husker offensive attack, going 2 for 3 with a pair of homers and a career-high six RBI. The Creighton Prep graduate, who has three homers in the last two games, broke open the contest with a three-run homer in the second and tallied NU's final runs with a three-run shot in the ninth. The Omaha, Neb., native extended his hit streak to 18 games and walked three times in the win

The Huskers roughed up Centenary starter Kevin Cassidy, scoring five runs in the second and adding a pair in the third, as he lasted just 3.1 innings in falling to 2-2 on the season. In the second, consecutive doubles by Dan Johnson and John Cole to lead off the inning plated the first run before Jeff Blevins walked, putting runners on first and second. Jed Morris sacrificed the runners over before Brandon Eymann's grounder to second scored Cole with NU's second run of the frame. With two outs, Will Bolt drew a walk before Jeff Leise sent a Cassidy offering over the right field fence for his third homer of the season, and second in as many games, to give NU a five-run advantage.

"I think scoring the five runs early was important." Van Horn said. "We were able to take the wind out of their sails early and it allowed us to relax."

In the third, Blevins increased the Husker lead to 7-0 with a two-run homer to center, his first of the season, to chase Cassidy, who allowed seven runs on six hits.

The Huskers added single runs in the sixth and seventh innings before Leise's second homer of the day, a three run shot to right, provide the final margin. NU pounded out 12 hits, including three by catcher Jed Morris, who went 3 for 4. Johnson and Cole also had two hits apiece in the victory.

Nebraska returns to action on Tuesday, March 20, when the Huskers travel to Wichita State to take on the Shockers. NU won the earlier meeting, 8-7, in Lafayette, La., on Feb. 25.