March 26, 2008

Box Score

LINCOLN, Neb. - In the sixth and final meeting between Northern Colorado and Nebraska this season in baseball, the Bears tried to rally in both the eighth and ninth innings, but fell short, falling to the 15^th-ranked Cornhuskers, 9-4. Northern Colorado is now 7-17 on the year, while Nebraska moves to 19-3-1.

The Bears tallied the first two runs of the contest, scoring one in each of the first two innings, but Nebraska scored it with a pair in the second inning. The Huskers, as they did last night, exploded in the third inning, this time scoring five to take the 7-2 lead.

It remained 7-2 until the eighth when the Bears added one, but Nebraska answered with two. NC added another run in the ninth, but it was not enough, making the final score 9-4.

Senior Adam Symons, hitting in the leadoff spot, went 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI, while senior catcher Erik Whinery went 3-for-4 with two RBI and junior left fielder Andy Mees was 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Seniors Kevin Sandberg and Anthony Garcia had the other two Bears hits.

Jason Banks pitched 2.2 innings and took the loss, falling to 0-3 on the season. He gave up seven runs (five earned) on five hits, walking three and striking out three. Sean Peery threw the next 2.1 frames allowing just one hit, walking one and striking out two in nine batters faced. Eric Skufca pitched 1.1 innings surrendered just two hits and walked one in six batters faced and Dan Kazell closed out the contest, throwing 1.2 innings giving up two runs on three hits and fanning three.

Eric Bird threw five innings for Nebraska getting the win to move to 1-1 on the year.

The Bears will finally return to Greeley after being on this roadtrip since March 13 when they left to play at Missouri State. Northern Colorado's home opener is Friday against South Dakota State. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Jackson Field.