Huskers hang on to beat Boilermakers and complete weekend sweep

Freshman Chad Luensmann rescued Nebraska from blowing a big lead and the Cornhuskers beat Purdue 9-8 on Sunday at Alexander Field in West Lafayette, Indiana, in the Big Ten opener for both teams.

Nebraska (16-7, 3-0) lead 8-1 in the fifth inning but had to hang on to complete the weekend sweep of the Boilermakers.

"I used to close, so I know how to handle the nerves," said Luensmann, who allowed his first run of the season. "Just settle down, breathe and let the slider move in on the batters."

Shortstop Steven Reveles hit his fourth home run of the season to give the Huskers a 9-7 lead in the eighth. Purdue (4-17, 0-3) scored three in the sixth and three more in the seventh on a three-run home…