Minneapolis, MN (gophersports.com)  -The No. 24/23 University of Minnesota Gophers cruised to a 6-0 win over Nebraska Friday evening behind a one-hit shutout by Sara Groenewegen.

The Gophers came out swinging early loading the bases in the first inning but Nebraska was able to get out of the jam.

Nebraska got their one and only hit to open the second inning. From then on Groenewegen and the Gophers defense were in complete control. Groenewegen had four of her nine strikeouts in the first two innings.

In the top of the second inning Kayla Wenner lifted the second pitch she saw out of the park with a home run to center field to put the Maroon and Gold on the board. Sydney Fabian and Sam Macken each got on base but again the Huskers got out without allowing any more damage to keep the game close.

Sydney Fabian came up with a diving catch to get the Gophers out of the third inning and was not done impacting the game.

Down 0-2 in the count Fabian rocked a pitch to left center with one out on the board in the fourth inning scoring two runs in front of the 708 loud and proud Gopher fans that were in attendance this evening.

Later in the inning Macken drilled her 19th double of the season putting her fourth all-time in Gopher history for most doubles in a season.

Groenewegen moves to 22-5 on the season and has brought her ERA down to 1.68 after the dominant performance.

Minnesota had nine hits in the game with Macken, Groenewegen, Houlihan and Fabian all recording two.

The two teams meet again Saturday.

Schedule Update: Sunday's game has been moved up to an 11 a.m. start time.

 

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