Nebraska Softball Avoids Using Jordy Bahl in the Circle, Drops Series to Ohio State
In a decision that raised eyebrows across the softball world, Nebraska Softball’s head coach, Rhonda Revelle, opted to keep ace pitcher Jordy Bahl out of the circle during the critical series against Ohio State. The move left fans and analysts alike questioning the strategic choices that led to Nebraska’s disappointing series loss, with the Buckeyes clinching two out of three games in a performance that seemed, in part, to be a byproduct of Nebraska’s questionable decisions.
Jordy Bahl, the standout pitcher for the Huskers, is widely considered one of the top players in the nation, known for her dominating fastball and incredible command. With her on the mound, Nebraska’s chances of winning any series would skyrocket. But in a move that stunned many, Revelle kept Bahl sidelined for two of the three games against Ohio State, even as the team struggled to put away the Buckeyes.
The decision to hold Bahl out of the circle raised serious concerns about Nebraska’s ability to handle high-pressure situations. In the opening game of the series, the Huskers were handed a tough 4-2 loss, a game where their pitching staff simply couldn’t match the intensity and precision expected at this level. Despite several solid offensive performances, Nebraska’s defense was porous, and their pitching simply couldn’t contain Ohio State’s lineup, which proved to be more than capable of capitalizing on every mistake.
Game two wasn’t much better. Neappeased peared to be in control, but their lead evaporated quickly after another shaky performance from the bullpen. The Buckeyes took advantage of every opportunity, winning the game 6-3. The decision to keep Bahl off the mound was especially perplexing, as the freshman phenom has been nothing short of spectacular this season, often putting up near-perfect performances. In a game where the team needed a lockdown pitcher, her absence was felt deeply.y
The third and final game of the series saw Nebraska fail to mount any meaningful comeback, losing 5-1. By this time, the damage had already been done. The Huskers’ pitching staff was fatigued and mentally worn down from the prior games, and Ohio State seized control of the series with relentless efficiency.
But it was the absence of Bahl in the circle that overshadowed the entire weekend. Fans were left to wonder why Nebraska had opted to sideline their ace, especially as the stakes grew higher. Was it a tactical decision to rest Bahl for future matchups, or was there something deeper at play? The most plausible theory suggested that Revelle was trying to manage Bahl’s workload, aware that the young pitcher had been used heavily in the earlier part of the season. Yet, in doing so, she may have misjudged the importance of this series and the toll that the loss of her best pitcher would take.
What made this decision even more controversial was the growing public sentiment that Bahl, who is undoubtedly one of the best pitchers in the country, was the one player who could have turned the tide. With her on the mound, Nebraska would have had the edge they so desperately needed. Yet, in her absence, the Huskers faltered, and Ohio State capitalized on every misstep.
Nebraska’s loss to Ohio State was not just a matter of an off day or bad luck. It was a series that could have been won if the right decisions had been made at the right time. The controversy surrounding Jordy Bahl’s absence will likely linger for some time, as fans and pundits alike continue to question the rationale behind such a high-risk strategy. What remains clear is that Nebraska’s road to success this season runs through Bahl – and keeping her off the field might have been the biggest mistake of their campaign.
