STILLWATER, O.K. (Iowa Media Wire) – Nebraska defeated Niagara 7-5 to survive in the Stillwater Regional on Saturday, earning the Huskers its first NCAA Tournament win since 2021.
The Purple Eagles struck first with a three-run home run in the first inning until the Huskers responded in the third inning with a three-run blast of their own from Case Sanderson.
Nebraska gained its first lead 5-4 when Gabe Swansen mashed a solo home run in the fifth inning before another solo home run for Swansen in the seventh inning, giving him seven total home runs in the last 10 days.
Mason McConnaughey started on the mound for Nebraska. Despite allowing five runs, McConnaughey struck out 10 batters through 6 innings of work.
Huskers face the loser of Florida/Oklahoma State in another elimination game tomorrow at 1:00pm CT. The winner advances to the Regional final at 6:00pm CT.