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No. 16 Duke Outlasts No. 17 Nebraska in Extra Inning Pitchers Duel

by:Jason Rhea•02/21/25
Screenshot 2025-02-21 at 5.09.06 PM
Crash Kamon/Softball America

In what was a fantastic, old-fashioned pitching duel between Cassidy Curd and Jordy Bahl the Blue Devils outlasted Nebraska 3-0 in extra innings. Duke saved its best for last as they scored three times in the top of the 8th to win their first game of the Mary Nutter Classic.

Both pitchers were dominant in their own version of themselves. Bahl was nearly unhittable for the first seven innings. She only allowed a pair of walks to D’Auna Jennings and no hits. Curd lived up to her reputation as being effectively wild as she danced in and out of trouble throughout the afternoon

Nebraska had threats throughout the day that they were unable to cash in on. The Cornhuskers had runners in scoring position in the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th innings. However, Curd was able to get out of trouble each time. On many occasions, Curd was able to get key strikeouts to come out of various situations unscathed. Strikeouts to Olivia DiNardo in the 4th inning, and five strikeouts in the 6th and 7th innings were pivotal. Ironically, the 8th inning was one of the only innings where Nebraska did not threaten.

After struggling to solve Bahl all afternoon, the Duke bats finally woke up a bit in the 8th inning. With the International Tiebreaker in effect, the Blue Devils got runners at first and second base with the third walk of the game of Bahl. The threat intensified after a passed ball gave Duke runners at second and third with no outs. Brooklin Thomas hit into a fielder’s choice. That hit would score pinch runner Gabriella Mike to give Duke the first lead of the game, 1-0. With two outs, Ana Gold smashed a two-run scoring single down the left-field line to extend the lead to 3-0. That’s all that Curd would need to secure the victory.

After the mercy rule loss to UCLA last night, this felt like a wasted masterful start by Bahl. However, with games against San Jose State and Howard up next for Nebraska, there is an opportunity to end the weekend on a positive note. Comparatively, Duke is on a heater now after defeating top-ranked Florida last week and defeating Bahl here on Friday afternoon. The Blue Devils will not face another ranked team before tangling with UCLA to finish up the weekend.

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