Nebraska Baseball Dominates Wichita State in First Midweek Game of the Season
In what can only be described as a statement performance, Nebraska baseball turned heads with a dominant victory over Wichita State in their first midweek game of the 2025 season. The Big Red sent a resounding message to the rest of the college baseball landscape, showcasing both their offensive firepower and pitching depth in a 10-2 rout that left spectators and critics alike questioning how this team could ever be overlooked.
From the opening pitch, Nebraska appeared poised and hungry. Pitcher Luke Wagner, who had been quietly building momentum in the preseason, took the mound with an intensity that was impossible to ignore. He was flawless in the early innings, dominating Wichita State’s hitters with a combination of fastballs that seemed to defy the laws of physics and curveballs that dipped just outside the reach of batters’ swinging bats. Wagner threw 6 scoreless innings, allowing just 3 hits while racking up 7 strikeouts, firmly establishing himself as the ace the team desperately needed.
The Shockers, who entered the game with high hopes for their midweek performance, found themselves helpless against the Big Red’s potent attack. Nebraska’s defense was also near perfect, making timely stops and executing crisp double plays when needed, which kept any potential Shocker rallies at bay.
At the plate, Nebraska flexed its muscles with a relentless offensive assault. Outfielder Jackson Johnson led the charge, with a 3-for-4 performance that included two home runs, a double, and four RBIs. His power was evident as he launched a towering two-run shot into the left-field bleachers in the 3rd inning, and then, just a few innings later, added another solo bomb, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Johnson’s ability to hit with both power and precision was a bright spot in an offensive lineup that seemed to be clicking on all cylinders.
But it wasn’t just Johnson. Nebraska’s entire lineup showed no mercy to Wichita State’s pitchers. Second baseman Kyle Adams contributed with a 2-for-3 outing, including a timely RBI single in the 5th inning that gave Nebraska a commanding 5-0 lead. Shortstop Ryan Morris also added a double and an RBI, showing why Nebraska is touted to be a balanced team with depth from top to bottom.
One of the most glaringly controversial aspects of the game came in the 7th inning, when Wichita State’s pitching coach was ejected after a heated argument with the umpire. The controversy stemmed from a questionable strike call on a 3-2 pitch to a Shocker batter, which many believed was a ball. Tensions escalated, and the coach was thrown out of the game, much to the dismay of the home crowd. This moment, while a minor blip in the grand scheme of the game, illustrated the growing frustration of Wichita State’s team as Nebraska’s dominance became increasingly apparent.
Perhaps what stood out most about this midweek game was Nebraska’s ability to impose its will on every phase of the game—something that has often eluded them in past seasons. While midweek games are traditionally seen as more of a “tune-up” for teams, Nebraska treated this game like a playoff clash, sending a loud and clear message that they aren’t just content with competing in the Big Ten but are eyeing something far greater: national relevance.
In the end, the game was more than just a win for Nebraska; it was a statement of intent. The Big Red demonstrated that they are more than capable of dominating on any given day, and that they have the firepower, pitching depth, and mental fortitude to compete at the highest levels. If this performance was any indication, Nebraska baseball is ready to make waves this season—and the rest of the nation should be put on notice.
