James, Trimboli Star in NU Win Over Baylor

Lincoln ? Senior right-hander Peaches James threw a two-hit shutout to lead the No. 21 Nebraska softball team to a 3-0 win over No. 19 Baylor Sunday afternoon before 729 fans at Bowlin Stadium. The complete game shutout was the second of the weekend for James (20-5), who tossed a one-hitter against the Bears Saturday. James finished the day with 10 strikeouts, marking her 10th double-digit strikeout effort of the season.

With the win, the Huskers improved to 25-11 overall and 5-0 in the Big 12 Conference. Nebraska, which defeated the Bears, 2-0, Saturday, took over the top spot in the league standings. Baylor, which entered the weekend in first place, fell to 35-9 overall and 5-2 in the Big 12.

With her 81st complete game, James moved into second place on the Husker career charts, passing NU associate head coach Lori Sippel (1985-88). James also tied former NU pitcher Leigh Ann Walker (1999-2002) on the all-time charts with her 81st career victory.

The Husker offense supported James with a solid day at the plate. Senior outfielder Nicole Trimboli led the effort, going 2-for-3 with her fifth home run of the year and two RBIs. Three other Nebraska players had multiple-hit days, including junior first baseman Sheena Lawrick (2-for-3), senior outfielder Liz Lawhorn (2-for-3) and sophomore third baseman Jessica Yoachim (2-for-3).

Overall, NU tallied 10 hits against Baylor pitchers Lisa Ferguson and Cristin Vitek. Ferguson (14-3) started and took the loss, allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits in 4.1 innings. Vitek held Nebraska scoreless on two hits in the final 1.2 innings.

The Huskers took a 1-0 lead after a wild inning in the bottom of the second. Anne Steffan led off and reached on an error. Trimboli followed with a slow-rolling grounder to short. Baylor attempted to turn a double play, and both runners were safe. Lawrick then singled to load the bases for Trisha Tannahill, who produced a sacrifice fly to plate Lawrick.

After leaving runners on base in the fourth, the Huskers capitalized on scoring opportunities with a two-run fifth. With one out, Trimboli sent a two-run bomb over the center field fence, scoring Steffan. The homer was Trimboli’s fifth of the season. Lawrick and Tannahill followed with back-to-back singles to right. With runners on the corners, James struck out, and pinch runner KoKo Tacha was thrown out at home on a double-steal attempt.

The Huskers continue a four-game homestand Tuesday when play host to Creighton at 5 p.m. at Bowlin Stadium.