Huskers Fall to Japan, 6-1, in Exhibition Game

Houston, Texas --- The Nebraska softball team fell to the Japan National Team 6-1 on Thursday night in an exhibition game at Scrap Yard Sports in Houston, Texas. 

The Huskers recorded five hits from Alyvia Simmons, Tristen Edwards, Lindsey Walljasper, Lexey Kneib and Bree Boruff.  Edwards also had NU's lone RBI, while Boruff scored Nebraska's run.

Regan Mergele started the game, pitching 2.0 innings. She gave up three runs on four hits. Olivia Ferrell, Karlee Seevers and Courtney Wallace also saw time in the circle for the Huskers. Ferrell pitched 3.0 innings and have up three runs on three hits. She also had one strikeout. Seevers and Wallace each pitched 1.0 innings. Seevers gave up one hit. Wallace didn't give up a hit and recorded one strikeout. 

Japan finished with eight hits on the night, but only scored on two three-run homers. Japan also had one error. 

Japan took a 3-0 lead in the first inning with a pair of singles and a three-run homer. Nebraska got its first base runner when Wallace drew a one-out walk. She stole second to move into scoring position but was left stranded after a pair of ground outs.  

Nebraska scored one run in the bottom of the third. Boruff got Nebraska's first hit of the game and Simmons followed with and infield single to put two runners on. Rylie Unzicker moved both runners over. Edwards singled to score Boruff. Simmons looked to score, but was thrown out at the plate to end the inning. 

Japan extended its lead to 6-1 in the top of the fourth with a three-run homer. 

In the bottom of the fifth, Samantha Owen drew a leadoff walk and Boruff was hit by a pitch to put two runners on with no outs. However, the Huskers were unable to score any runs.

In the sixth, Walljasper singled to left field and Fischer reached on an error to put two runners on with one out, but Japan retired the next two batters to keep its 6-1 lead heading into the final inning.

Neither team scored in the final inning of play. 

Nebraska opens its 2019 season on Friday at the Lone Star College Classic at Scrap Yard Sports in Houston, Texas. The Huskers play Lamar at 4:30 p.m. followed by a game against Texas Tech at 7 p.m. A radio stream for both games will be available on Huskers.com. Fans can also follow the action on Twitter (@HuskerSoftball).