Late surge carries Nebraska to win over No. 7 Auburn

Cornhuskers score 7 runs in final 2 innings to defeat Tigers

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Nebraska baseball scored three runs in the eighth inning and four in the 10th to rally past No. 7 Auburn 9-8 in 10 innings on Friday. The Cornhuskers trailed 5-2 through four innings before storming back to win the series opener.

Why it matters

This was a big non-conference win for Nebraska, which is looking to build momentum after a slow start to the season. Auburn was ranked in the top 10 nationally, so this victory could be a springboard for the Cornhuskers as they aim to make the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Nebraska trailed 5-2 after Auburn jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the third inning. But the Cornhuskers chipped away, scoring two runs in the fourth and then three in the eighth to tie it at 5-5. In the 10th inning, Nebraska exploded for four runs, including a three-run homer by Will Jesske, to take a 9-5 lead. Auburn mounted a late rally in the bottom of the 10th, scoring three runs, but Nebraska was able to hold on for the victory.

  • The game was played on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • Nebraska scored three runs in the top of the eighth inning to cut Auburn's lead to 5-4.
  • Nebraska scored four runs in the top of the 10th inning to take a 9-5 lead.
  • Auburn scored three runs in the bottom of the 10th inning but could not complete the comeback.

The players

Cole Kitchens

Nebraska outfielder who had two RBIs and two doubles in the game.

Will Jesske

Nebraska infielder who hit a three-run home run in the 10th inning to give the Cornhuskers a 9-5 lead.

Bub Terrell

Auburn outfielder who went 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI.

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What they’re saying

“This was a huge win for us against a top-10 team. The guys showed a lot of fight to come back and get the victory.”

— Will Bolt, Nebraska Head Coach (klin.com)

What’s next

The series continues on Saturday, February 29, 2026 at 2 p.m. as Nebraska looks to clinch the series against No. 7 Auburn.

The takeaway

Nebraska's late-game heroics against a ranked opponent show the Cornhuskers' potential this season. If they can build on this momentum, they could be a team to watch in the NCAA Tournament race.