The sophomore right-hander from Minot, N.D., improved to 4-0 on the season, allowing two singles while striking out a pair in the longest outing of his career, helping the Huskers improve to 34-14 on the season. Shirek retired 13 of the first 14 batters he faced an allowed only one Bluejay to advance into scoring position, as he combined with reliever Justin Pekarek on a three-hit shutout, the fifth shutout of the year by the Husker staff. In his last two starts, Shirek has allowed just five hits in 15 scoreless innings, as he went a then career-high seven innings against McNeese State in his last start on April 15 before his performance Tuesday evening.

"For Phil to do that to this offense shows how dominating he was," Nebraska Associate Head Coach Rob Childress said. "I think they are a pretty good offensive club, especially after last weekend in Wichita State, so for us to do that to their offense says a lot."

"I got ahead with my fastball early on, and that carried through to the later innings," Shirek said. "When I fell behind, my fastball was there."

Gabe Lapito, who went 2-for-4 with a double, had two of Creighton�s three hits and was the only Bluejay to advance into scoring position all evening, leading off the fourth with a single and moving to second on a fielder�s choice before his one-out double in the ninth off Pekarek.

While Shirek turned in the best performance of his career, Nebraska�s offense pounded 12 hits off seven Bluejay pitchers, as CU, which took 3-of-4 from Wichita State over the weekend, dropped to 16-27 on the year.

Daniel Bruce led NU�s offensive barrage, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs, while Jeff Leise, Matt Hopper and Curtis Ledbetter had two hits apiece, as NU clinched the season series over the Bluejays for the fifth straight season and handed CU its first shutout in the series since Feb. 21, 1997, a span of 17 games.

NU took control of the game early, scoring four runs off Bluejay starter Eric Wordekemper (2-3), who lasted two innings. NU scored a run in the first on Leise�s sixth homer of the year - and fifth career leadoff homer - before extending the lead to 4-0 in the second on an RBI double by Matt Wells and a two-run single by Bruce.

The troubles for the Bluejays continued in the fourth as Ledbetter, who extended his hit streak to 23 games, led off the frame with a solo homer to left off reliever Adrian Rider. The Huskers, who improved to 19-1 at Hawks Field this season, tacked on three more runs in the sixth on an RBI singles by Bubbs Merrill, Bruce and Leise for the final margin.

The Huskers continue the homestand Wednesday evening, as Big Ten leader Minnesota visits Hawks Field. Jamie Rodrigue (0-1, 8.10 ERA) will take on Golden Gopher right-hander Craig Molldrem (1-3, 5.96 ERA) as first pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.

Source: University of Nebraska Athletic Dept.