Score: Holy Cross 7, Nebraska 4
Pitching Decision: W: George Capen (7-1) | L: Derek Burkamper (6-6)
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
Location: Corvallis, Ore. (Goss Stadium at Coleman Field)
The Lead: Holy Cross earned a 7-4 victory over No. 25 Nebraska in Corvallis, Ore., marking the team's first NCAA Tournament victory since 1978.
POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE:
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Holy Cross started out strong in the first inning, bringing home two runs on four hits. Seniors Anthony Critelli and Alex Voitik both registered RBIs as the Crusaders took a 2-0 lead.
- The Huskers responded in the fourth inning, scoring a pair of runners on three hits to tie the game up.
- The Crusaders surged into the lead once again in the fifth inning, as they brought home three runs to make it 5-2. Freshman Austin Masel, and Critelli each notched an RBI, while senior Bill Schlich scored off an error.
- In the sixth inning, Holy Cross added to its lead, as the Crusaders scored two runs off RBI singles from Schlich and Masel.
- Nebraska added a pair of runs in the eighth inning, but senior Phil Reese forced the last batter to fly out with the bases loaded to end the inning.
- Reese and the Crusaders' defense then posted a perfect ninth inning with three ground outs to secure the victory.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- The Crusaders outhit Nebraska 12-10.
- The Huskers left nine runners on base, while Holy Cross left seven.
- Senior George Capen earned the win, allowing two runs in 3.1 innings pitched while tossing four strikeouts.
- Derek Burkamper took the loss, allowing five runs on six hits.
- Critelli and Masel each went 2-for-4 with a pair of runs batted in and one run scored.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:
- This was the Crusaders' first win in the NCAA Tournament since 1978, when Holy Cross defeated St. John's on May 25 in the Northeast Regional.
- This also marked the first win for the Crusaders over a Big Ten opponent since 1952, when they defeated Penn State during the College World Series on June 15.
- Today's win marked the first victory for the Crusaders over a nationally-ranked opponent since 2014, when they defeated #7 Mississippi State on the road on Feb. 23.
UP NEXT:
- The Crusaders will return to action tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. eastern in Corvallis, as they play the loser of tonight's game between No. 1 Oregon State and Yale.
Vote Critelli for Senior CLASS Award
Senior first baseman Anthony Critelli was one of 10 student-athletes in the nation to be named a finalist for the Senior CLASS Award, which honors a student-athlete who demonstrates notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition.
Click here to vote for Anthony Critelli in the Senior CLASS Award fan ballot! Be sure to vote every day until voting closes June 6!
Click here to read his announcement as a finalist.
