No. 7 UCLA softball splits Nebraska series with second game 6-5 win

No. 7 UCLA softball was able to hang on to their slim lead to win the second game of their Nebraska series 6-5 at Bowlin Stadium, Neb. on Saturday.

The Bruins fell short in their first outing against the highly ranked Cornhuskers, but they managed to do just enough to split the series on Saturday. UCLA's pitchers struggled to keep Nebraska contained with freshman pitcher Natalie Cable starting the first and giving up two runs off of no hits and five walks. Shortly into the second, senior pitcher Taylor Tinsley stepped on the mound to finish the game and allowed five hits, three runs, four walks and throwing two strikeouts.

Strong start

UCLA got on the board with a bang as senior infielder Jordan Woolery smacked a three-run homer to right center in the top of the first. Nebraska was not far behind with two runs coming off of a fielders choice and one of Cable's four walks.

Mind games

Both teams were unable to score in the next three innings as UCLA made a pitching change after Cable allowed her fifth walk of the game to start the second. Both teams got a hit in the second that led no where in the second. The Bruins had prime opportunity to score in the third with the bases loaded, but weren't able to close out the inning with a run.

Making it a ball game

In the fifth, UCLA's batters continued to struggle to get on base, but Nebraska opened up the bottom of the fifth with a homer to tie the game up 3-3.

Regaining control

The Bruins took control of the lead again with three runs in the sixth as a two-run homer to center field by freshman utility Jolyna Lamar put UCLA up 6-3.

Hanging on

UCLA closed out the seventh with two hits leading no where and Tinsley giving up two home runs to begin the seventh. Tinsley would get the bases loaded with three walks, but the Bruins would cling on to their one run lead for the win, setting up a rubber match on Sunday against No. 9 Nebraska.

This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: No. 7 UCLA softball hangs on to lead to defeat Nebraska 6-5