Nebraska Rallies to Beat Hawkeyes

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April 8, 2012

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LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska scored the last five runs of the game to rally and edge the University of Iowa baseball team, 9-8, Sunday afternoon in the series finale at Hawks Field.

With Iowa leading 8-4, Nebraska plated one run off Hawkeye closer Nick Brown in the eighth to close to within in 8-5. In the bottom of the ninth, the Huskers’ used five hits, including a game-tying triple to complete the comeback and ultimately escape with the one-run victory after an RBI single by Kale Kiser.

“The way we handle this loss can make a difference in our season,” said head coach Jack Dahm. “This one hurts a lot. We’re going to stick together as a club and learn from it.”

Nebraska (22-12, 5-4) struck first with a single tally in the bottom of the first on an RBI single. The visitors quickly answered with a run in the top of the second to tie the contest on a Phil Keppler RBI single scoring Ryan Rumpf, who led the inning off with a double.

The Huskers regained the lead in the bottom half of the second via a lead-off home run. Nebraska added to its early lead in the fourth with a fielder’s choice RBI and an RBI single to lead 4-1 after four.

Iowa (13-16, 4-5) fought back, posting crooked numbers in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings. The Hawkeyes tallied two runs in the sixth to pull within 4-3. Keppler notched his second RBI single for Iowa’s second run, while Keith Brand drove home its third run with a RBI single to right center.

The Hawkeyes plated two more in the seventh to take a 5-4 advantage. Jake Yacinich scored on an RBI groundout. Jake Mangler crossed home plate for Iowa’s fifth run via a Keppler sacrifice fly, his third RBI of the day.

Iowa increased its advantage to 8-4 in the top of the eighth on via three singles and a walk. Mike McQuillan and Yacinich each had RBI singles, while McQuillan scored later in the frame on a Mangler RBI groundout.

Iowa pounded out 12 hits today with five Hawkeyes recording multiple hits. Keppler led the Hawkeye offense going 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. McQuillan, Rumpf, Yacinich and Brand each had two hits each.

Sasha Kuebel started the game for the Hawkeyes on the mound. The freshman got a no-decision after allowing four runs in six and two-thirds.

Iowa returns to action Tuesday when it faces Western Illinois in a nonconference game. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. at Duane Banks Field. Tickets are $3 for adults and free for students.