“ We’re treating it like a super regional. This is truly a Super Regional matchup. They’re an amazing team, and they’re gonna be making their adjustments as two for game three.” – Jordy Frahm post-game
When the Huskers went to take their last at-bats in the bottom of the 7th, it appeared the final punch thrown by UCLA in the top of the 6th – a 2-run homer by Jolyna Lamar to dead center and the linchpin of of that 3-run inning – had provided enough breathing room to push UCLA past Nebraska and even
the Big 10 Top-10 series at one apiece.
It had. But not before causing UCLA and their faith some serious unease. And possible nausea.
That 6th inning had left UCLA holding a 6-3 lead when the Huskers stepped in to take their final at-bats. Lauren Camenzind, hitting at the bottom of the order, lifted one out to left field and the southern winds did the rest.
6-4.
Up came Frahm. She sky-highed a 2-1 pitch to an area a little to the right of Camenzind’s. The ball, which was probably deep-ish out on a normal afternoon, caught those trade wind currents and epitomized the home run call of “ Back..back…back…” When it had drifted just over the left field wall, the ride was over and the game was within a run.
6-5.
Nobody out. Walk. Walk. Strikeout. But then another walk. Bases loaded, one down.
“So it’s gonna be a matter of who makes adjustments better and who’s gonna fight and scrap And claw until the last bat is done tomorrow.” – Frahm, continued from above.
Frahm would say that after the game, but the Huskers weren’t done scrapping and clawing just yet on a windy, sunny Saturday. Alexis Jensen, who grabbed the win in the circle on Friday, and would have to be considered likely for the Sunday start, ripped a liner to right field – right at Bruin Saydrie Meono. Ava Kuszak then ripped another line drive – right at Bruin Aleena Garcia.
It was over.
It was fair enough that Frahm spoke of scrapping and clawing.
She did it at the plate going 2-for-3 with a walk, 2 RBI’s, 3 runs scored and 2 home runs. The first tied the game in the bottom of the 5th inning. The second brought the Huskers within a run in the bottom of the 7th.
On the mound, Bahl went the distance giving up 8 hits and 6 runs on a day with consistent 20-30mph winds gusting over 40mph at times. In all honesty, those winds made a 7-6 final look rather low-scoring, as well as UCLA’s ridiculous offensive stats (a .410 team batting average and 100 HR’s entering the game). Frahm gave up 2 homers in that maelstrom, but her counterpart, UCLA’s Taylor Tinsley, gave up 3. Tinsley also threw 6 more innings after pitching all 7 in Friday night’s 4-1 Nebraska victory and brought her two-day pitch total to around 250.
Can she go again Sunday? If not, Nebraska will face the rest of the Bruins staff with a collective ERA around 6.00. If she does, both stamina and the fact the Huskers got to her late in both games could very well be a factor. In forcing her back in action today, did they just give themselves a big Sunday advantage to win the series?
The game may not have ended as the Huskers and their many, many fans desired…wait, let’s talk about those many, many fans. In what’s turning into a weekend of records – see Frahm, Jordy – 8 saves – new team record – the fans got involved as well. How?
Well, they just set a little old attendance record for Bowlin – 3123 souls to be exact.
Not that there should be any pressure to break it immediately, but tomorrow’s game has huge implications for things like Big 10 titles and RPI rankings.
And it’s supposed to be warmer and less windy. Just sayin’.
The rubber match will commence tomorrow in Bowlin Stadium at High Noon/12:00pm CST and can also be watched on Nebraska Public Media (Ch 12/26) or listened to on Nebraska Public Media with Nat Rohr on the call.
See you then.
