Nebraska Baseball’s ‘Get Right’ Series Sweep of Pepperdine Sets Tone for USC Showdown
Nebraska baseball came into last weekend needing a reset. After a frustrating stretch of inconsistent performances, the Huskers found their groove in a dominant three-game sweep of Pepperdine. The series wasn’t just a morale boost—it was a statement. Now, with momentum in their corner, Nebraska heads to Los Angeles for a critical showdown against USC, a series that could define the early part of their season.
Turning Point Against Pepperdine
The Huskers’ pitching staff, which had struggled in previous outings, delivered a masterclass against Pepperdine. Ace Brett Sears set the tone with a seven-inning gem in the opener, allowing just one run while striking out eight. The bullpen followed suit, shutting down any hopes of a late Waves comeback.
Offensively, Nebraska’s bats came alive. The lineup, which had been plagued by inconsistency, erupted for a combined 24 runs over the three-game stretch. The resurgence was led by sophomore slugger Gabe Swansen, who blasted two homers in the series finale, and veteran Max Anderson, whose clutch hitting provided a spark in key moments.
Head coach Will Bolt praised his team’s resilience, emphasizing that the sweep wasn’t just about getting back in the win column—it was about rediscovering their identity.
“This is the version of Nebraska baseball we expect to see,” Bolt said. “We played clean defense, attacked the strike zone, and put together competitive at-bats. Now, we have to carry that into USC.”
USC Series: A Litmus Test for Nebraska
While Pepperdine offered a chance to correct course, USC presents a different level of challenge. The Trojans, a historic powerhouse, have a deep pitching staff and a dangerous lineup. Led by All-American candidate CJ Rodriguez, USC will test whether Nebraska’s turnaround is real or just a temporary surge.
The Huskers will need another strong weekend from their pitching staff. Sears and fellow starter Jace Kaminska must neutralize USC’s power hitters, while the bullpen—especially closer Shay Schanaman—must continue to lock down late-inning leads.
At the plate, Nebraska’s newfound aggressiveness must translate against tougher arms. The Huskers showed an ability to manufacture runs against Pepperdine, utilizing speed on the bases and timely hitting. Against USC, they’ll need more of the same.
Potential Controversy?
Despite the optimism, some critics argue Nebraska’s sweep of Pepperdine doesn’t mean much. The Waves, while a solid program, are far from the elite competition the Huskers will face later in the season. Detractors point to early-season struggles as a sign that Nebraska still has significant flaws to address.
Others question the long-term sustainability of Nebraska’s offensive outburst. Was it a breakthrough or simply a case of taking advantage of a weaker opponent? The USC series will provide clarity.
Regardless of the skepticism, Nebraska enters the weekend with confidence. If they can take two out of three from the Trojans, it will silence doubters and solidify their status as a team to watch. If not, the questions will persist.
One thing is certain—this weekend, we’ll find out just how ‘right’ Nebraska baseball really is.
