LINCOLN, Neb. – The Columbia baseball team dropped a 12-5 decision to Nebraska to conclude its second series of the season.
The Lions went with three two-way players on the mound after suffering some injuries to their pitching staff and heavy bullpen work in the previous three games. Despite being short on its normal arsenal of arms, Columbia chipped away five-run deficit, but Nebraska plated five runs in the seventh and eighth innings to go on for the win.
Senior AJ DiFillipo (0-1) started and took the loss on the mound for Columbia (1-7). Senior Will West was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going one shutout inning without allowing a hit.
In the batter's box, the Lions were paced by first-year Weston Eberly, who went 2-for-4 on the day with a home run and three RBI. Senior Julian Bury compiled a standout day at the dish as well, going 1-for-3 with two walks.
Trailing 3-0, the Lions first put runs on the board in the second inning. Eberly put Columbia on the board with a two-out solo home run, the first of his career, off freshman Caleb Feekin.
The Cornhuskers expanded their lead to 5-1 before the Lions offense got back to work, cutting into that lead in the fifth. Sophomore Lewis Menendez came across on an error, which brought Columbia within three.
Nebraska built their lead to 7-2 before the Columbia offense got back in action, reducing that lead to 7-4 in the sixth. The Lions scored two runs when a single from Eberly scored junior Matt Cerfolio and sophomore Joshua Solomon.
Columbia narrowed the gap further in the seventh. Junior Jack Chernow crossed home plate on a Josh Nicoloff sac fly for the lone run of the inning, bringing the score to 7-5.
The Lions are back in action on Friday, March 13 when they open up their spring break trip with three games at East Carolina. The opening game is set for a 6:30 p.m. start.
For the latest on the Columbia baseball, follow @CULionsBaseball on Twitter and Instagram, and the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
