OMAHA, Neb. (Interstat) — The Nebraska Cornhuskers built a six-run lead and then withstood a furious comeback attempt by the Creighton Bluejays to secure a 6-5 victory in a tense midweek rivalry game Tuesday night at Sapp Fieldhouse.

Nebraska, which entered with a top-25 caliber record, improved to 23-6 while Creighton moved to an even 13-13.

The story of the game unfolded in two distinct chapters: dominant early pitching and a dramatic middle-inning rally. Nebraska starter Gavin Blachowicz set the tone, delivering four perfect innings. He faced the minimum 12 batters, striking out two without allowing a hit or a walk. His performance continued a stellar run, coming off four hitless innings against Michigan just over a week ago.

The Cornhuskers’ offense provided ample support, capitalizing on early opportunities against Creighton’s bullpen. Nebraska struck for three unearned runs in the second inning. After J. Buck reached on an error and C. Buettenback was hit by a pitch, D. Grego drove in the first run with a single. Later in the inning, with new pitcher Evan Stratton on the mound, M. Moyer delivered a two-run single through the left side.

Nebraska added single runs in the third, fifth, and sixth innings to build a commanding 6-0 advantage. Buck hit an RBI double in the third, D. Carey lifted a sacrifice fly in the fifth, and Moyer added another RBI on a groundout in the sixth.

The most important part of the game came in the bottom of the sixth inning, when Creighton’s offense erupted to turn a blowout into a nail-biter. Trailing by six, the Bluejays loaded the bases with no outs via a walk and two hit batters. Designated hitter Nate McHugh, who finished 3 for 4, cleared the bases with a two-run double, cutting the deficit to 6-2 and ending the night for Nebraska reliever Clark C.

After a strikeout, Chris Baillargeon delivered the biggest blow of the frame, a two-run double that scored McHugh and T. Capece. Baillargeon then scored on an RBI single by B. Gump, capping a five-run outburst that brought Creighton within a single run at 6-5. The Bluejays sent 11 men to the plate in the inning, collecting four of their six total hits.

Nebraska’s bullpen, however, slammed the door from there. Chase Olson worked a perfect seventh inning. J’Shawn Unger then earned the save with two flawless frames, striking out two over the eighth and ninth innings. He retired all six batters he faced to preserve the one-run lead.

Creighton’s relievers, after Stratton allowed two earned runs over three innings, were effective in keeping the game close. Jimmy Burke, Ian Koosman, Shane Curtin and Matt Goldenbaum combined for 5 2/3 innings of relief, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out six.

Nebraska outhit Creighton 10 to 6. Buck and Moyer each drove in two runs for the Cornhuskers.

The game defied the pregame projection from Interstat, which had simulated an 8-6 Nebraska victory and gave the Cornhuskers a 54.6% probability to win.

Nebraska will open a three-game home series against Penn State on Friday. Creighton travels to face Connecticut for a three-game series beginning Thursday. The intrastate rivals are scheduled to meet again in Lincoln on April 14.