LINCOLN, Neb. – The University of Nebraska baseball team kicked off its participation in the MLB Desert Invitational with a decisive 6-4 victory over No. 16 Vanderbilt on . The win provided a strong response after a season-opening loss to UC Irvine.
Swansen’s Standout Performance Fuels Huskers’ Victory
The offensive catalyst for Nebraska was undoubtedly Gabe Swansen, who delivered a remarkable performance, driving in all six of the team’s runs. Swansen went 3-for-4 at the plate, including two doubles and a crucial two-run home run. He ignited the Huskers’ offense early, starting the game with a three-run RBI double to establish a 3-0 lead. He continued to contribute, adding an RBI double in the third inning and capping off his impressive night with a two-run homer in the seventh.
Cayden Brumbaugh also contributed multiple hits, going 2-for-4, while Case Sanderson, Joshua Overbeek, and Riley Silva each added a single hit to the Nebraska attack. The Huskers demonstrated a balanced offensive approach, capitalizing on opportunities and effectively moving runners into scoring position.
Pitching Prowess Secures the Win
On the mound, Ty Horn started for the Huskers, pitching effectively through five innings. He recorded six strikeouts while allowing four hits and three runs. Jalen Worthley relieved Horn and earned the win, striking out one batter and allowing just one hit across 1.2 innings of work. Worthley’s ability to maintain control and limit Vanderbilt’s offense proved pivotal in preserving Nebraska’s lead.
Tucker Timmerman followed Worthley, pitching 2.1 innings and adding two strikeouts while conceding two hits and one run. Luke Broderick closed out the game, earning the save with a dominant ninth inning, retiring all three batters he faced with one strikeout. The combined pitching effort showcased the depth and resilience of the Nebraska pitching staff.
Desert Invitational Continues
The victory over Vanderbilt marked a significant bounce-back for the No. 24 ranked Huskers after their initial defeat in the invitational. The team concluded their participation in the MLB Desert Invitational on , with a game against San Diego State, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT.
Nebraska Athletics Updates
Beyond the baseball team’s success, the University of Nebraska’s athletic programs saw activity across multiple sports on . The Women’s Gymnastics team continued conference action against No. 25 Maryland, while the Bowling team hosted the Big Red Invite. The Football program announced additions to its coaching staff, signaling preparations for the upcoming season.
The Women’s Tennis team traveled to Charleston for a pair of matches. Recent results also included a tough loss for the Men’s Basketball team, falling to Iowa, and a strong second-place finish for the Women’s Golf team in Texas. The university’s official athletics website, huskers.com, provides comprehensive coverage of all Nebraska sports, including rosters, schedules, scores, and highlights.
Looking Ahead: Ticket Information and Fan Engagement
Fans interested in supporting Nebraska Athletics have several opportunities to purchase tickets for upcoming seasons. Tickets are currently available for Women’s Basketball single games, as well as Softball and Baseball season tickets. Information regarding 2026 Football and Volleyball season tickets is also available, with a request list open for Volleyball. The university is also promoting “THE HOME FOR NIL,” encouraging fans to engage with and support student-athletes through Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities.
Nebraska Athletics continues to prioritize fan engagement, offering updates and promotions through its website and social media channels. A cinematic recap of the Nebraska Baseball team’s participation in the MLB Desert Invitational is available on the Nebraska Huskers’ YouTube channel, providing fans with an inside look at the team’s performance and experiences. The official Nebraska Athletics YouTube channel offers highlights and recaps across all sports, keeping fans connected to the latest action.
