TEMPE, Ariz. (Interstat) — Dominic Smaldino homered twice and drove in six runs to lead Arizona State to an 11-8 victory over Nebraska on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

The Sun Devils improved to 39-20, while the Cornhuskers fell to 43-17 in a game that featured a combined 24 hits and a decisive sixth-inning outburst by the home team.

Nebraska jumped out to an early lead, plating eight runs in the first three innings. Josh Overbeek started the scoring with a solo home run in the top of the third, giving the Cornhuskers an early advantage. The inning ended with Nebraska holding a comfortable lead, but Arizona State began to chip away.

Nu’u Contrades answered in the bottom of the first with a solo home run to right center, putting the Sun Devils on the board. An error by Nebraska’s second baseman in the third inning opened the door for a four-run rally. After the miscue allowed Brandon Moutzouridis to score and advanced runners, Smaldino delivered a sacrifice fly to cut the lead. Dominic Longo followed with a two-run homer to left field, making it 5-0 in favor of Nebraska but pulling Arizona State within three.

Overbeek’s homer in the top of the third had made it 8-1, but the Sun Devils continued to chip away. Colby Guy settled in on the mound for Arizona State, pitching six innings while allowing only four hits and one earned run. He struck out seven and kept Nebraska’s bats quiet after the early onslaught.

The game turned decisively in the bottom of the sixth. With the score 8-6 after Smaldino’s solo homer in the fifth, the Sun Devils loaded the bases on a single by Moutzouridis, a double by Kaden McGary and an intentional walk to Contrades. Toigo drove in a run with a fielder’s choice, then Smaldino crushed a grand slam to right field, clearing the bases and putting Arizona State ahead 11-8.

Smaldino finished the day 2 for 4 with two home runs and six RBIs. Longo also went 2 for 4 with a homer and two RBIs. Contrades added a solo shot as part of a 1-for-3 day.

Nebraska’s bullpen struggled to contain the rally. Cooper Katskee allowed three earned runs over 2.1 innings, though he struck out one. Kevin Mannell provided 2.2 scoreless frames with two strikeouts, keeping the Cornhuskers within reach after the sixth-inning damage.

The Cornhuskers attempted to rally in the top of the seventh. With runners on base, Trevor Fikes doubled and scored on a throwing error. Gavin Blachowicz, who had pitched three scoreless innings earlier, was lifted after allowing an unearned run, but Nebraska fought back. Max Moyer doubled in two runs, Jeter Worthley added an RBI double and a sacrifice fly by Connor Sanderson scored Worthley to cut the lead to 11-8.

Arizona State turned to its bullpen to close the game. Derek Schaefer pitched a scoreless ninth, allowing no hits and striking out one to earn the save.

Guy earned the win for the Sun Devils, while Nebraska’s Katskee took the loss.

Worthley led Nebraska’s offense, going 3 for 5 with an RBI. Overbeek finished 2 for 3 with a homer and an RBI.

Arizona State’s Kaden McGary and Brandon Moutzouridis each collected two hits in the win.

The Sun Devils return to action Sunday against Mississippi, while Nebraska continues its season looking to rebound from the loss. The game featured a combined four home runs and 24 hits, with Arizona State scoring five of its 11 runs in the decisive sixth inning.

Arizona State’s offensive outburst was powered by Smaldino’s performance, which marked his second multi-homer game of the season. He came into the contest batting .305 with 12 homers and 45 RBIs.