Move over, softball world—there’s a new queen of chaos on the diamond, and her name is Jordy Bahl.
In an explosive start to the Baton Rouge Regional, Nebraska’s flamethrowing phenom didn’t just play the game—she rewrote it. With a fireball in her arm and thunder in her bat, Bahl led the Huskers to an electrifying 10-2 demolition of the UConn Huskies, sealing the victory in a mercy-rule six innings. This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.
Bahl, who already wears the crowns of Big Ten Pitcher and Player of the Year, put on a jaw-dropping clinic that blurred the line between domination and artistry. With this victory, the Huskers notch their 40th win of the season—marking the 14th time in program history they’ve hit that milestone. But this year, it feels different. It feels destined.
Pitch Perfect? More Like Pitch Unhittable.
Stepping into the circle with a steely glare and ruthless precision, Bahl sliced through UConn’s lineup with the calm of a veteran assassin. She allowed just three baserunners in three innings—two via walks, and one who reached on an error. Not a single Husky could muster a hit off her; her pitches painted corners like a master artist, striking out three with devastating efficiency.
But Bahl wasn’t content with just silencing bats—she decided to unleash her own.
Queen of the Long Ball
When she stepped into the batter’s box, Bahl transformed from ace to avenger. After drawing walks in her first two plate appearances, she decided that enough was enough. Her third time up, she launched a moonshot home run that not only electrified the dugout but also marked Nebraska’s 100th homer of the season—a milestone only three other Big Ten teams have ever reached.
Then she did it again.
Her second homer of the day didn’t just widen the gap on the scoreboard—it catapulted her into NCAA history, making her only the fourth player ever to hit 20+ home runs and earn 20+ wins in the same season. Bahl is now sitting on 21 bombs and 23 wins, a rare double-threat that’s turning her into a living legend.
As if that wasn’t enough, Bahl tied her career high with five RBIs, and came within a whisker of a fifth at-bat when Bella Bacon dashed home on a wild pitch to seal the run-rule victory.
Supporting Cast, Star Quality
While Bahl was the star of the show, the supporting cast delivered a Grammy-worthy performance of their own. Nebraska’s offense cranked out 10 hits, with Ava Kuszak, Abbie Squier, and Ava Bredwell joining Bahl in the multi-hit club. Kuszak extended her hit streak to 12 games, slicing through opposing pitching like a hot knife through butter.
Kylee Magee stepped in to pitch the final three innings, allowing two runs on four hits, and preserving the runaway victory.
Across the Bracket: Chaos Ensues
In a shocking twist that few saw coming, Southeastern Louisiana stunned host and No. 10 national seed LSU, 4-3. The upset sent seismic waves through the bracket and added a thrilling twist to the regional narrative. Nebraska now gears up to face the giant-slayers from Southeastern Louisiana in the winners bracket showdown at 12 p.m. CDT Saturday.
Meanwhile, UConn and LSU, licking their wounds, drop into the losers bracket for a 2:30 p.m. CDT clash that’s sure to be a desperation-fueled dogfight.
Postgame Nuggets of Greatness
- Nebraska’s 10-run explosion ties their highest-scoring NCAA Tournament opener ever, matching their 1997 fireworks display against Arizona State.
- The Huskers have now plated 4+ runs in 41 innings this season—talk about firepower.
- With 24 run-rule wins this year, this squad isn’t just winning—they’re obliterating.
- Jordy Bahl joins elite Husker company, becoming the second ever (after MJ Knighten in 2016) to tally 60+ hits, runs, and RBIs in one season.
- Nebraska’s all-time NCAA Tournament record climbs to 66-56, with a 56-39 mark in regionals.
Is This Destiny?
With a heroine in Jordy Bahl whose performances straddle the line between myth and reality, Nebraska isn’t just hunting wins—they’re chasing glory. The energy is electric, the drama is mounting, and if this opening performance is any indication, the Huskers are on a path not just to the top of the regional—but possibly to softball immortality.
Stay tuned. The story is just getting started.
