Oregon delivered a decisive 8‑0 victory over Nebraska in the Big Ten Baseball Tournament, a win that not only halted the Huskers’ advance but also secured a spot in the conference championship game against UCLA, scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m. CT.
Sanford’s Command Performance
The Ducks’ pitching staff proved overwhelming, with starter Will Sanford turning in a stellar outing that saw him surrender just two hits while striking out nine batters over six innings. Sanford had carried a no‑hitter into the fifth frame and had previously fanned twelve opponents in an earlier matchup with Nebraska this season.
At the plate, Oregon’s offense erupted for three long balls, including a two‑run homer from Brayden Jaksa that marked the team’s 100th home run of the year. Freshman Angel Laya also contributed a decisive blast, underscoring the depth of the Ducks’ lineup.
Nebraska’s own starter Gavin Blachowicz kept the game close, delivering five innings of six‑hit, three‑run baseball while fanning nine and walking just one. Despite several rally opportunities, including a fifth‑inning corner‑situation, the Huskers could not break through.
A seventh‑inning rally for Oregon was sparked by a combination of timely hitting and Nebraska’s defensive miscues, allowing the Ducks to pull away further. The defensive lapses highlighted the pressure on the Huskers, who will now await selection for a regional host.
The upcoming championship matchup is slated for Sunday at 2 p.m. CT, pitting Oregon’s hot‑handed rotation against a UCLA team that has been a perennial power in the conference.