Nebraska baseball began its 2025 season in style, showcasing its dominance in the first midweek contest against Wichita State on Tuesday at Haymarket Park. The game wasn’t just another early-season matchup—it was a statement. The Cornhuskers, led by a standout performance from freshman right-handed pitcher Carson Jasa, routed the Shockers in a show of power and precision, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with this season.
Jasa, in his first start of the year, demonstrated the poise and composure of a seasoned veteran, striking out a staggering eight batters over six innings of work. His fastball—an imposing weapon all evening—touched 96 mph, overwhelming Wichita State’s hitters. But it wasn’t just the speed that made Jasa’s outing remarkable; it was the way he mixed pitches, keeping the Shockers off balance and guessing throughout the game. His slider, sharp and biting, proved nearly unhittable, while his curveball kept batters on edge. Jasa’s command was near flawless, his ability to hit his spots forcing the Shockers into awkward swings and weak contact. By the end of the night, it was clear that Jasa wasn’t just a promising freshman, but potentially the future ace of the Nebraska pitching staff.
The offensive side of the game was just as striking, if not more. The Cornhuskers seemed to hit the ball with a collective vengeance, putting the Shockers on their heels from the first inning. Senior outfielder Max Anderson opened the scoring with a booming double to the gap, driving in two runs. Anderson’s bat has been a consistent force for Nebraska, and this game was no exception. His performance at the plate set the tone for what was to come. Nebraska didn’t just take an early lead—they capitalized on it, never giving Wichita State a chance to recover.
By the third inning, Nebraska was already up 5-0, with home runs from junior shortstop Luke Ingram and sophomore first baseman Greg Gibbons adding to the damage. Ingram’s homer, a no-doubt shot to left-center, was a jaw-dropping display of power, while Gibbons’ opposite-field blast was a testament to his plate discipline and ability to drive the ball the other way. Nebraska’s offense wasn’t just hitting—it was executing with a precision and swagger that made it clear they were on a mission.
The Shockers had their moments, but they were few and far between. Their best opportunity came in the fourth inning when they loaded the bases with two outs. But Jasa, showing why he was entrusted with the start, escaped the jam unscathed, inducing a weak grounder to second base. It was a defining moment, a microcosm of Nebraska’s dominance. While Wichita State couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities, Nebraska capitalized on every mistake the Shockers made.
Despite the impressive performance, some may argue that Nebraska’s offensive outburst masked any weaknesses in their game. The Shockers, while an experienced team, weren’t fully at the top of their game, and some critics have raised concerns about whether the Cornhuskers’ pitching depth will be able to stand up against tougher competition. Nebraska’s bullpen, while largely untested in this game, could be a potential weak point as the season progresses.
Nevertheless, Nebraska baseball’s win was undeniably dominant. Carson Jasa’s electrifying debut, combined with an offense that showed depth and power, marked the start of what could be a memorable season for the Cornhuskers. The win was a statement, and as the team looks ahead, it’s clear that Nebraska is not just a team to watch—they’re a team to fear.
