Nebraska’s Ninth-Inning Rally Stuns USC, Evens the Series in Controversial Finish
LOS ANGELES – Nebraska baseball pulled off a dramatic ninth-inning comeback against USC, stunning the Trojans and evening the series with a controversial finish that left fans and players fuming. What should have been a routine closer situation for USC spiraled into chaos, with questionable calls, clutch hitting, and an umpiring decision that will be debated for years.
The Comeback Begins
Trailing 5-3 in the top of the ninth, the Cornhuskers showed resilience. With one out, shortstop Brady Christensen worked a full count before roping a double into the left-field corner. A sharp single up the middle from designated hitter Matt Sorenson put runners at the corners, shifting the pressure onto USC closer Jake Raines.
Then, controversy struck. On a 2-2 count, Nebraska’s Luke Harrison appeared to check his swing, but the third-base umpire ruled he had gone around, only for the home plate umpire to overturn it after a heated exchange. The reversal proved costly for USC. Given new life, Harrison lined a double to right-center, scoring Christensen and moving Sorenson to third.
The Umpiring Controversy
With the score 5-4 and one out, USC had a chance to escape. Raines induced a grounder to second, but as Sorenson charged home, the throw appeared to beat him. The stadium erupted in cheers—until the umpire signaled safe, ruling that catcher Danny Ortega had blocked the plate illegally. The Trojan bench exploded in protest, arguing that Ortega had given the runner a lane. The call stood after a lengthy review, tying the game at 5-5.
Nebraska Seizes the Moment
USC never recovered from the disputed call. On the very next pitch, Nebraska’s cleanup hitter, Jake Reynolds, crushed a two-run homer over the left-field wall, silencing the USC faithful and giving the Cornhuskers a 7-5 lead.
Trojans head coach Mike Gillespie was irate, storming onto the field to argue with the umpires. His tirade earned him an ejection, but the damage was done. The emotional collapse carried into the bottom of the ninth, where Nebraska’s closer, Tyler Mason, slammed the door with a 1-2-3 inning.
Postgame Fallout
The fallout was immediate. USC players and coaches refused to speak to the media, while social media erupted with debates over the controversial plate-blocking call. Nebraska fans celebrated the dramatic victory, but even some acknowledged the fortunate turn of events.
- “That was one of the wildest ninth innings I’ve ever been part of,” said Nebraska head coach Will Harris. “The game had everything—clutch hitting, tough pitching, and yes, some close calls. But we battled, and that’s what matters.”
For USC, the loss was gut-wrenching. The Trojans now face a decisive rubber match, carrying the weight of what many feel was a stolen victory. Whether Nebraska’s rally was heroic or aided by questionable officiating, one thing is certain—the series just became must-watch baseball.
