Freshman to startNU's home opener

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Left-handed freshman Brad Furnish is slated to make his first start for the Nebraska baseball team when the Huskers play Western Illinois in their home opener today at 2:05 p.m. in Haymarket Park.

In four relief appearances covering 62/3 innings, the Lucas, Texas, native has posted a 1.35 earned run average. He pitched a scoreless inning in NU's 5-4, 12-inning win against San Diego on Friday.

Nebraska coach Mike Anderson said Furnish's early contributions remind him of what Zach Kroenke did as a freshman last year. Kroenke started in the bullpen, then emerged as a starter who went 6-2 with a 2.72 ERA.

"In the first three weeks last year, Kroenke didn't pitch, and in our minds was one of our best pitchers, but the opportunity just didn't come up," Anderson said. "I'd say Furnish is right in that same mold."

Today's game is the first of two against the 9-11 Leathernecks, as the teams are schedule to meet at 2:05 p.m. Wednesday. Left-handed senior Justin Pekarek (1-0, 8.16)will start for the Huskers in that contest.

Nebraska, ranked as high as No. 23, is off to an 8-4 start. All of those games have been on the road. However, 16 of Nebraska's next 20 games will be at home.

NU will look to extend its streak of 25 straight home-opening wins.