CHAPEL HILL, N.C.—Cayden Brumbaugh and Hogan Helligso each showcased their power with a home run and two RBIs as Nebraska secured a 4-1 victory over Holy Cross on Saturday. This win extends Nebraska’s journey in the Chapel Hill Regional.
Nebraska, with a record of 33-28, is set to face another elimination game on Sunday against whoever loses between North Carolina and Oklahoma. Meanwhile, Holy Cross, concluding its season with a 31-27 record, was participating in the NCAA Tournament for just the second time since 1978 and first since 2017.
The breakthrough for Nebraska came in the fifth inning when Brumbaugh launched a two-run homer to deep left, overturning Holy Cross’ earlier lead when DH Sean Scanlon hit a home run at the inning’s start.
Helligso, batting from the ninth spot, contributed significantly with his third home run of the season in the seventh inning. He further extended Nebraska’s advantage by driving in another run with an RBI single in the eighth.
Pitcher Ty Horn (4-4) delivered a strong performance, striking out six players over 7 1/3 innings while allowing just one earned run on five hits. Relief pitcher Luke Broderick took over with one out in the eighth, executing a crucial 6-4-3 double play to quell Holy Cross’ offense, and secured his 13th save of the year.
Holy Cross starter Jaden Wywoda (9-3) pitched 5 1/3 innings, surrendering two runs on five hits.