Oklahoma Baseball Suffers 8-6 Loss To No. 16 Nebraska

March 29, 2003

NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma suffered its ninth-straight defeat in an 8-6 loss to No. 16 Nebraska Saturday afternoon at L. Dale Mitchell Park. The Sooners battled back from a 4-0 deficit to tie the game up in the third inning, but were only able to match the Cornhuskers' four additional runs with two of their own. OU performed better defensively, however, by playing only its fourth errorless contest of the season a day after committing a season-high four errors in the series opener. Oklahoma's record fell to 11-12 overall and 0-5 in the Big 12 Conference, while Nebraska improved to 18-6 overall and 6-2 in the league.

The Sooners generated six of their seven hits from the top of the order as senior center fielder Reggie Willits, senior second baseman Eddie Cornejo and junior third baseman Jay Yaconetti each turned in 2-for-4 performances at the plate. Additionally, Cornejo and Yaconetti both produced multiple RBI efforts with three and two runs driven in, respectively.

Oklahoma starting pitcher Buddy Blair (2-4) fell into an early hole by giving up a first inning grand slam to Nebraska designated hitter Curtis Ledbetter before settling down to pitch the next five complete frames. After giving up a pair of hits and walks in the first frame, Blair only allowed four more hits over the next four to prevent any further damage and allow the Sooners to climb back into the game. He was eventually lifted after surrendering another four spot in the sixth inning.

Following the grand slam, Cornejo helped the Sooners get three of the runs back on a two out bases clearing triple in the third frame. Cornejo's run-scoring hit came after Kitch's leadoff single, senior right fielder Matt Arkison's (0-for-3) hit by pitch and Willits' infield single. Immediately following OU's three scores, Cornejo tied the game at 4-4 after Nebraska starter Quinton Robertson (5-1) balked the Mira Loma City, Calif., native home.

The Cornhuskers regained their four-run advantage in the sixth frame to take an 8-4 lead. A leadoff solo homer by left fielder Brandon Fusilier ignited a flurry of base hits and runs for the Huskers. Four more hits, with two outs sandwiched in between, led to three more scores in the frame.

OU got two of the runs back in the bottom of the sixth when Yaconetti delivered a clutch two-RBI double to drive in Willits and Cornejo who were standing at third and second base, respectively, following base hits of their own.

The series between the Sooners and Huskers concludes tomorrow with a 1 p.m. contest at L. Dale Mitchell Park. Oklahoma junior righthanded pitcher Mike Swindell (2-1, 4.57 ERA) will start on the mound for OU and will be opposed by Nebraska lefthander Zach Kroenke (1-1, 1.93 ERA).

The "Can The Cornhuskers" promotion will also conclude tomorrow where anyone who donates a canned food item will get a $2 adult general admission ticket ($3 off the regular price). The canned food will be donated to the Feed The Children charity.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Oklahoma Baseball Suffers 8-6 Loss To No. 16 Nebraska

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