Skip to main content
Nebraska

Nebraska falls to GCU 3-1, splits opening weekend

by: Carter Owens02/17/25
Jackson Brockett Nebraska pic
Jackson Brockett (Credit: Nebraska Athletics)

Nebraska wrapped up its fourth game of the opening weekend, falling 3-1 at Grand Canyon University (GCU) on Monday afternoon in Arizona. The Huskers now sit at 2-2 on the season.

With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning, GCU’s Cannon Peery delivered the decisive hit. With runners on second and third and two outs, Peery lined a two-RBI double down the left field line to give the Lopes a 3-1 lead.

Earlier in the inning, GCU recorded back-to-back hits off Nebraska reliever Drew Christo before Huskers pitching coach Rob Childress turned to closer Luke Broderick. For the second straight inning, Broderick found himself in a second-and-third, one-out jam. He managed to get the second out with a strikeout, but Peery’s clutch hit ultimately proved to be the difference.

Strong pitching, defense a bright spot

Despite the loss, Nebraska showed promise on the mound. Senior left-hander Jackson Brockett delivered a strong performance, throwing seven innings and allowing just one earned run—a solo home run in the fifth.

Nebraska’s pitching depth appears to be a strength, with a rotation featuring Brockett, Mason McConnaughey, Michael Walsh, and Jalen Worthley. The bullpen also boasts depth, providing plenty of options for Childress moving forward.

Defensively, the Huskers were sharp throughout the weekend, finishing without an error. The infield and outfield made several key plays, preventing additional runs. Creighton transfer Hogan Helligso also impressed behind the plate with his defensive work.

Huskers’ offense struggles in finale

Nebraska’s bats went cold Monday afternoon, managing just four hits and striking out 10 times.

For the third consecutive game, Cayden Brumbaugh led off the offense with a hit, this time a double into the left-center gap. He later advanced to third on a wild pitch before being driven in by Casey Carey’s RBI groundout. However, that was the only run Nebraska could muster.

After a 2-2 weekend, Nebraska has areas to improve but also reasons for optimism. The Huskers return to action next weekend with a three-game series in Louisiana.

Never miss breaking news or another HuskerOnline article again. Click HERE to sign up for HuskerOnline’s Daily

You may also like