The clock strikes midnight as Penn State falls to Nebraska in Big Ten Championship

OMAHA, Ne - Penn State’s magical run is over as the Nittany Lions lose 2-1 to Nebraska in the Big Ten Championship.

Both teams looked to capture their first Big Ten title in their program history. Penn State entered the game a perfect 3-0 in the tournament, defeating Illinois and Michigan twice.

It was a different story for the Cornhuskers, losing 15-2 and getting mercy-ruled in the opening round against Ohio State. They would have to win out in the four-game elimination bracket if they wanted to get to the championship.

It was a sunny day at Charles Schwab Field as Travis Luensmann took the ball for the Nittany Lions. The blue seats turned red with a wave of Nebraska fans filling the stadium to witness what would be a historic day for the Big Ten.

Luensmann was coming off a strong performance against Illinois, going five strong innings and only allowing one run on four hits. He had seven strikeouts on Wednesday.

He carried over that mojo and looked strong once again in this game. He retired the first nine batters he faced.

Penn State’s lone run came in the first inning when Joe Jaconski was able to score off a misplayed pickoff that leaked into center field.

Nebraska’s Jackson Brockett made this game a pitchers' duel. After surrendering a run in the first, Brockett locked in and locked down Penn State’s bats.

Brockett went eight innings, retiring 14 straight batters throughout his appearance. He pitched efficiently and effectively, keeping his pitch count low each inning.

It was only a matter of time before Nebraska’s bats woke up and caused issues for Penn State. Josh Caron smacked his sixth home run of the week, setting a record for the most ever hit in a single tournament.

Jaden Henline would relieve Luensmann and take over the eighth and ninth innings. The 1-1 game would have to be taken into the final frame.

Ben Columbus hit a single, to be pinch-ran for by Cayden Brumbaugh. He stole a base to put himself in scoring position for Gabe Swansen.

Henline held Swansen at two strikes when he threw a pitch that the home plate umpire just said missed the strike zone. Penn State’s dugout was in disbelief.

A big break for Nebraska allowed Swansen to find the gap in left-center to score Brumbaugh and give the Cornhuskers a late 2-1 lead.

With their backs against the wall, the Nittany Lions would need to pull off some more late-inning heroics to keep the game going.

Big Ten Pitcher of the Year Brett Sears took the mound in the bottom frame and did what he’s done all season long.

After a flyout to left field, the Cornhuskers celebrated their first Big Ten title in front of the Nebraska faithful.

Penn State came up just shy, but the future has gotten a lot brighter for the program.

Anthony Desher is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email acd5698@psu.edu.