Final Stats

WESTFIELD, Ind. - Buffalo pitcher Mike McGee fanned nine batters in five innings in the series finale versus NIU (11-11, 2-1 MAC) as the Bulls (4-12, 1-2 MAC) prevented the Huskie sweep with a 5-1 win.

"It was a tough loss today. Buffalo did an outstanding job on the mound and kept our offense off balance the entire day. We need to be better with our consistency and be ready to play an entire weekend," said Head Coach Mike Kunigonis. "I'm happy with the series win but disappointed how we didn't finish the weekend playing our game.

"We will get back at it on Tuesday before we head to UIC for our final game of a 23-game road stretch. I look forward to our home opener next weekend against Bowling Green," Kunigonis closed.

Seth Fuller (Moline, Ill./Black Hawk College) tossed 5.0 innings in relief for NIU while Joe Jumonville (Munster, Ind./Munster) went 2-for-4 at the plate to the Huskies in hits. Brian Sisler (DeKalb, Ill./DeKalb) earned two walks as well.

Though McGee fanned nine Huskies, NIU earned five walks off the lefty but stranded nine runners on base in the contest.

The Bulls scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning off three hits, including an RBI triple by Tanner Robinson, and one more in the third to take a 4-1 lead in the game.

NIU got on the board in the second as Stephen Letz (Dyer, Ind./South Suburban College) and Justin Fletcher (Pekin, Ill./Illinois Central College) walked to lead the frame. Johnny Zubek (Oak Forest, Ill./Oak Forest) would drive Letz home on a fielder's choice as the shortstop threw the ball away to give the Bulls a two-run lead, 3-1.

In six of their nine trips to the plate, Northern Illinois University stranded runners on base, including three in the third and two in the sixth inning.

Starting pitcher Ryan Olson (Sterling, Ill./Newman Central Catholic) tossed 2.0 innings, surrendering three earned runs while striking out three. The junior gave way for Fuller, who pitched 5.0 innings and allowed one run while scattering four hits with two strikeouts.

The Huskies will return to the diamond on Wednesday for a matinee at UIC. First pitch from Curtis Granderson Stadium is set for 4:05 p.m.