April 17, 2007
Box Score
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DeKALB, Ill. - Northern Illinois dropped an 8-2 decision to St. Xavier Tuesday afternoon at Ralph McKinzie Field. The Huskies fall to 20-12 overall and will begin a five-game road swing at Iowa Wednesday night.
Kyle O'Brien put the Cougars ahead 2-0 in the second with a home run to right field. Two innings later, St. Xavier put up four runs behind a two RBI double by Joe Miller and RBI singles from Matt Mueller and Tony Testin for a 6-0 lead.
NIU got on the board in the fourth when Scott Simon led off the inning with a single and eventually came around to score on a double play groundout.
The Huskies cut the deficit to 6-2 in the seventh when Matt Behren walked to start the inning and pinch-hitter Jesse Seykora belted a RBI double to center.
One inning later, O'Brien answered with his second two-run home run of the day to make the score 8-2.
Cody Beck (0-1) took the loss in his first career start, striking out three in 3.2 innings of work. Rick Kehoe (4-1) went 8.0 strong innings and earned the win for the Cougars, who improved to 18-12.
Mark Badgley struck out five in 4.1 innings of relief for NIU. Jeff Thomas led the Huskies with two hits.
NIU is back in action Wednesday night at Iowa, a game that starts at 6 p.m. CDT and can be heard locally on WLBK (1360-AM).
HUSKIE TRACKS ...
-Jeff Thomas' stolen base gave the Huskies a steal in 12 straight games.
-Jordin Hood has hit safely in five consecutive games.
-Cody Beck's first collegiate start netted career highs for innings pitched (3.2) and strikeouts (three).
-The loss dropped NIU to 6-2 at home this season.
