EAST LANSING - Michigan State senior pitcher Sam Benschoter set a new career high for strike as the Spartans fell 9-6 in overtime (12) against Nebraska.
In relief, Benschoter went on 9.1 laps, allowing three earned runs, five hits and four rounds while striking out 17 strokes, the most for an MSU pitcher since Mark Mulder was 16 in 1998.
“I’m proud of our guys for striking back after coming down 6-0 after two innings,” said Spartan coach Jake Boss Jr. “The guys have been competing the tails all season for Michigan State, and they did it today. It was a tough way to lose. We had a few chances, but unfortunately we could not take advantage of them. Credit Nebraska; they did a couple of great plays when they needed it. “
Benschoter, a Tecumseh High School graduate, captured his third double-digit strike competition of the year, when right-handers registered 10 Ks on March 5 and 27.
“Sam was amazing. He came in in a very tough place and was dominant,” said Boss. “There is no other way to say it. There was a school post on strike at 17, and he had full control.”
In light of his earnings, Benschoter earned the Big Ten Co-Pitcher of the Week and was named to the list of Collegiate Baseball National Players of the Week.
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