Nebraska
Nebraska’s late-inning rally snaps Kansas’ winning streak
Kansas saw its nine-game winning streak come to a close Tuesday night against Nebraska, with the Cornhuskers launching a late rally to knock off the Jayhawks 7-5 at Hoglund Ballpark. Nebraska scored two runs with two outs in the eighth to take a deciding lead.
Alex Breckheimer entered the game in the eighth. Nebraska got two runners on with nobody out before Breckheimer retired the next two. Max Buettenback hit a jam-shot infield single out of the reach of Sawyer Smith to put Nebraska ahead before Cael Frost extended the lead with an RBI single up the middle.
“Two-out RBIs are always up the middle. They had a couple late there where they literally just moved the ball to the middle of the field,” Dan Fitzgerald said after the game. “Great approach by them. Unfortunately, sometimes you lose in this game, and they did a nice job of staying in the middle of the field.”
Kansas’ bats were quieted for much of the game, with the four-run output being the lowest since a 9-2 loss to Arizona State on March 21. The Jayhawks had their chances but couldn’t convert with the bases loaded in the third or sixth innings.
“We just didn’t have the big hit that puts it away,” Fitzgerald said. “Brady [Ballinger] came up there with the bases loaded and had the check swing… He gaps the double right there, and we clear it and go up three runs, it’s probably a different outcome.”
On the other hand, Nebraska did a good job cashing in runs when it got opportunities. The Cornhuskers scored the first run of the game without tallying a hit and were 6/15 with runners on compared to Kansas’ 4/15.
“They made pitches. I thought our approach was great,” Fitzgerald said. “We competed, and I told them after the game, it’s the process and the how you compete, and it’s how you go about it.”
The Jayhawks answered Nebraska’s first inning run with one of its own, as Michael Brooks doubled down the left-field line to score Brady Ballinger from first.
Nebraska got to Patrick Steitz in the second, with Buettenback doubling down the right field line to score a run. Derek Cerda erased a baserunner with an outfield assist, but Will Jesske followed with a solo shot to make it 3-1.
The Cornhuskers looked in firm control, extending their lead to 4-1 as Buettenback once again notched an RBI double down the right field line.
However, the Jayhawks finally found their answer to tie the game in the fifth. Ballinger started things with an RBI double, splitting the left-center field gap, before Jackson Hauge tied the game at 4-4 with a 2-run homer over the center field monster, his 15th of the season.
“We’ve done it all year,” Hauge said of Kansas’ ability to score in bunches. “Sometimes it’s dragging on, dragging on and then all of a sudden you get to the seventh and it’s bang, bang, bang, and you look up and it’s a completely different ball game.”
Kansas failed to completely flip the momentum and take the lead in the sixth. Nebraska reliever Carson Jasa loaded the bases with two outs, hitting mid-90s with his fastball easily but struggling to locate it. The Cornhuskers went to Lawrence native Grant Cleavinger for a lefty-lefty matchup against Ballinger, where Ballinger was rung up on a check swing in a full count.
The Jayhawks’ bullpen tossed zeros over the middle innings, but Nebraska awoke in the eighth and ninth to take control of the game. The Cornhuskers did their best work with two outs, scoring two in the eighth and adding another in the ninth on a Cayden Brumbaugh single.
Luke Broderick entered the game for Nebraska in the ninth. Kansas was able to scratch a run across with a Hauge RBI single but couldn’t manage further late-game heroics. The Jayhawks’ record sits at 27-7 and will head on the road to face TCU in a weekend series.
Adam Carriker is joined by HuskerOnline publisher Sean Callahan to break down the upcoming season for Matt Rhule and Nebraska football. Callahan gives unique insight on what Nebraska’s offense may look like, realistic expectation for quarterback Anthony Colandrea, if the offensive line is legit better, the new 4-2-5 defense, the undersized defensive line and if the Huskers will win more than seven games. Also, will Nebraska basketball make a Sweet 16 run again?
Hit the play button for that and more in this episode of the Carriker Chronicles. For a synopsis, scroll down.
Synopsis
In the latest installment of the Carriker Chronicles, Adam Carriker and Sean Callahan discuss the upcoming season for Nebraska football and why this year is so important. They explain that Year 4 under Matt Rhule is a big turning point because by now, the program should reflect his system, culture, and recruiting. If things are going to work long-term, this is the season where fans should really start to see it.
One of the first things they talk about is the overall vibe of the offseason. Callahan mentions that Nebraska has “closed the lab,” meaning the team is done experimenting and now fully focused on playing football. The expectation is that players understand the system better and can execute at a higher level without the outside distractions.
They also discuss the offense and what it might look like under Dana Holgorsen. While there may be some similarities to past systems, there will also be differences based on the players Nebraska has. Part of the conversation is quarterback Anthony Colandrea, and they set realistic expectations for him. He doesn’t have to be perfect, but he does need to be consistent, make plays with his feet and take care of the football.
The offensive line is another key topic. Callahan believes the group has improved this offseason, especially with players like Elijah Pritchett, who seems to be on the uptick. If the offensive line can protect the quarterback and create running lanes, it could make a huge difference for the entire offense. They also mention the running back room, which has potential but still needs to prove itself during the season.
On defense, Nebraska is expected to run more of a 4-2-5 scheme this year. This means more speed on the field, but it also raises questions about size, especially on the defensive line. One of the biggest concerns is whether the defensive front can hold up against physical teams. However, they point out that the secondary might be the strongest position group, which could help balance things out.
Special teams are briefly discussed, with the expectation that they will be solid but not necessarily a major strength or weakness. Recruiting is another area where Nebraska seems to be trending in the right direction, which is important for building long-term success.
They also touch on men’s basketball and whether the team can make another Sweet 16 run. While it’s possible, it will depend heavily on player development and who will replace those that have left.
To wrap it up, they debate whether Nebraska football will win more than seven games this season. It’s seen as a realistic but challenging goal. This is a critical year for Matt Rhule and the program, and fans should have a much clearer idea of the team’s future by the end of the season.
Program order
- 00:00: Intro
- 01:09: Sean Callahan Joins the Show
- 01:54: Year 4 Under Matt Rhule
- 04:04: Offseason Vibe: Closing the Lab, Focusing on Football
- 05:30: Dana Holgorsen: Similarities & Differences to Expect
- 07:30: Offensive Line: Offseason Improvements
- 09:45: Elijah Pritchett Spotlight
- 12:54: Running Back Room: What to Expect
- 15:20: Defensive Scheme: What to Expect This Year
- 18:53: Biggest Defensive Question Marks
- 22:10: Strongest Defensive Position Group
- 23:00: Special Teams Outlook
- 25:08: Recruiting Class Breakdown
- 27:45: Nebraska Basketball Preview
- 29:50: Over/Under: 7 Wins Next Season
- 31:18: Fan Questions
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LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The Nebraska baseball team lost to Kansas 9-7 on Tuesday in front of a record crowd at Hoglund Park. The Huskers took an early lead on an RBI single by National Freshman of the Week Drew Grego. After giving up three unanswered runs, Nebraska rallied to go back in front on a 3rd-inning single by Will Jesske. Both Grego and Jesske finished with two hits in the game.
Kansas, however, took control in the middle innings. The Jayhawks got home runs from Tyson Owens and Josh Dykoff in the sixth frame. Both round-trippers came off NU relief pitcher Ty Horn. Kansas added insurance in the 7th inning before a late rally by the Huskers.
Nebraska trimmed a five-run deficit to two, but couldn’t complete the comeback on the road.
The Huskers’ loss is their second to the Jayhawks this season. Nebraska’s record drops to 31-10 overall.
Will Bolt’s team returns to action on Friday at Illinois. Game one is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in Champaign.
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Softball
April 21, 2026
Nebraska jumps up to No. 2 in college softball Power 10 rankings
April 21, 2026
Check out Michella Chester’s updated college softball Power 10 rankings for the week of April 21, which sees Nebraska rise to No. 2 behind an 11-game win streak.
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