Nebraska-Kearney became the only team in the field to enter Friday with a perfect record, downing New Mexico Highlands Thursday night 5-3 behind a strong pitching performance by Jared Loschen.
Loschen threw seven innings for the Lopers, striking out six while giving up three runs on five hits, with only one run being earned. He held a no-hitter through 4-1/3 innings.
Offensively, Kearney was led by leadoff hitter Luke Stamp, who was a perfect 5-for-5 on the night, netting three RBI. Seven-hole hitter Daren Grace turned in a 3-for-4 night, scoring three of Lopers’ five runs.
With the win, Nebraska-Kearney will await the winner of Friday’s New Mexico Highlands/Regis showdown at 7 p.m. Friday night.
New Mexico Highlands’ elimination game with Regis will take place at noon Friday.