April 1, 2000

WACO, Texas - Baylor made three early runs stand up as the Bears beat Nebraska 3-2 on Saturday at the Baylor Ballpark.

After allowing two runs in the top of the first, junior Kyle Evans (7-0) clamped down on the Huskers. Evans did not allow another run in his eight innings of work, and freshman Zane Carlson pitched a perfect ninth for his eighth save of the year.

Baylor (23-10, 9-5) won its second straight game over the Huskers (18-10, 7-7) by scoring one run in each of the first three innings. Jaime Bubela led off the first with a single to left, and Tim Hartshorn followed with a single to move Bubela to second. Jace Brewer sacrificed the runners over, and Bubela scored when Nebraska starter Jamie Rodrigue (4-2) balked him in.

Matt Williams led off the second for Baylor with a single up the middle. Chris Durbin followed with a double to put runners on second and third. A walk to Preston Underdown loaded the bases for Bubela, who knocked what looked to be a base hit to left field. The runners had to hold on the line drive, however, and Durbin was forced at third as Williams scored. Hartshorn flew out to right to end the inning and leave the score tied 2-2.

In the bottom of the third, the Bears scored what proved to be the last run of the game. Brewer notched Baylor's third leadoff hit of the night, knocking out Rodrigue. Kelly Shoppach followed with an infield single, and Mike Huggins fielders' choice put runners on the corner. After Williams struck out, a wild pitch by reliever R.D. Spiehs allowed Brewer to score with the deciding run.

Spiehs finished out the game for Nebraska, pitching six strong innings in relief, but it was not enough for the Huskers. Evans struck out five in his eight innings of work and walked just one.

Baylor and Nebraska finish out the series Sunday, with game time scheduled for 1 p.m.