Lincoln – The Nebraska baseball program closes the fall portion of its workouts next week with three games, including the Huskers’ first-ever fall road trip.

Nebraska will conduct its annual Red-White Series on Tuesday, Oct. 14, and Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Sherman Field (225 West South Street). Tuesday’s first pitch is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. with Wednesday’s game slated for a 3:05 p.m. first pitch. The Huskers will then travel to Iowa City, Iowa, to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in the fall finale on Friday, Oct. 17, at 6 p.m. There is no admission charge for any of the three games next week.

Being away from Hawks Field has been nothing new to the Huskers this fall. They have conducted nearly all of their fall practices at Sherman Field following installation of a new grass surface last month. The two-week installation process went well, and the Huskers will be able to practice on the field when spring drills begin on Feb. 1, weather permitting.

For Nebraska baseball coach Mike Anderson, next week’s schedule allows the team to simulate an actual game week, complete with travel. A two-time Big 12 Coach of the Year who begins his seventh season at the helm of the Husker program, Anderson believes next week will good preparation for the spring, when the Huskers will spend a majority of the first month away from home. 

“Three of our first four weekends are on the road, and we have a lot of new guys who we will be counting on in roles for us,” Anderson said, noting that the 2008 roster includes 15 newcomers. “It’s an opportunity to show the newcomers how we travel and prepare for a road series, and they understand that it is not a vacation, but a business trip, and there is a big difference. Going to Iowa allows them to experience that before the season starts, and we look at that as a big, big plus. It gives our kids an opportunity to go through game-like situations. It is more of a dress rehearsal than anything else.”

Anderson said he has been pleased with the progress the Huskers have made during the fall. NU welcomed back 16 letterwinners, including six position players with extensive starting experience, from a team that won 41 games and was a No. 1 regional seed last season.

“The evaluation process has been good,” Anderson said.  “I like the way our players have done things and have picked up the process. We’ve had some ups and downs, and some minor injuries that have opened some opportunities. Those things have helped bring us together as a team. It’s been a good fall for us, and once we finish next week, we will continue to prepare for Feb. 20.”

Husker Baseball Schedule
Red-White Series (at Sherman Field)
Tuesday, Oct. 14         5:35 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 15    3:05 p.m.

at Iowa (Iowa City, Iowa)        6 p.m.