The Nebraska softball team (29-9, 9-0 Big Ten) claimed game one of Tuesday's doubleheader with Iowa, exploding for 14 runs in a 14-0 five-inning victory over the Hawkeyes (18-19, 1-9 Big Ten).
With 14 hits, every starter for the Big Red recorded a hit while Cam Ybarra, Mya Felder, Abbie Squier and Ava Bredwell all had two hits. Bredwell also led the Huskers with a career-high five RBIs, notching a single and a bases-clearing triple.
In the circle, Courtney Wallace (12-5) earned the win, pitching three innings and holding the Hawkeyes to one hit.
For Iowa, Breanna Vasquez (6-10) received the loss. Vasquez pitched two innings, giving up four hits and three runs.
The Huskers got on the board early with three runs in the first inning. With one out, Ybarra and Sydney Gray hit singles to put runners on first and second. After a fly out, Squier hit a single to right field, scoring Ybarra. Bredwell then hit a bases-clearing single for NU to go up, 3-0.
Nebraska added 11 more in the bottom of the third inning. With one out, Gray walked followed by a single from Felder. Squier added a single up the middle. With two outs, Caitlynn Neal smashed a grand slam over the right field fence. Peyton Glatter followed with a single while Brooke Andrews doubled to right field. Billie Andrews had a bases-clearing single up the middle, scoring Glatter and Brooke Andrews. Ybarra added a double down the right field line to bring in another run. Gray walked followed by a single from Felder and a hit by pitch for Squier to load the bases. Bredwell then tripled to left center, bringing in three more runs. The Huskers extended their lead to 14-0.
In the top of the fourth, Iowa added one run. Kalena Burns hit a deep ball over the left field fence to make it 14-1, but it was not enough as the Huskers claimed the five-inning victory.
The Huskers look for the sweep in game two against Iowa. Fans can follow the action live on the Big Ten Network or listen on the Huskers Radio Network or Huskers.com with the call from Nate Rohr.
Game Notes
- Nebraska extended its win streak to 14 games - the longest streak since 2002.
- The Huskers have started conference play, 9-0.
- Abbie Squier's single in the bottom of the first inning extended her hit streak to 13 games.
- With Caitlynn Neal's grand slam in the bottom of the third, NU moves to second-most grand slams (6) in a season, tied with the 2013 WCWS squad.
- Every starter recorded a hit within the first three innings.
- All 14 runs scored with two outs.