Final Stats

NORMAL, Ill. - Following a four-run sixth inning, NIU (13-18) pitcher Kevin Sweeney (Chicago, Ill./Fenwick) tossed three scoreless innings to keep Illinois State (14-15) at bay but the Huskies fell to ISU, 8-4. Justin Fletcher (Pekin, Ill./Illinois Central College) went 1-for-3 with a two-RBI double and one run while Johnny Zubek (Oak Forest, Ill./Oak Forest) was 2-for-4 at the plate.

"We need to keep working and keep fighting to get better everyday. We are in a tough stretch right now and need to believe we can bounce back," said Head Coach Mike Kunigonis. "Baseball is a crazy game and can humble the mightiest of men. The true test of character is what you do and how you go about your business during the tough times. Our coaching staff and all our players will be ready to work and get better tomorrow."

ISU scored five runs on five hits in the bottom of the third inning to draw first blood in the contest and take a 5-0 lead. Starting pitcher Donovin Sims (Roscoe, Ill./Hononegah Community) faned three batters in 2.1 innings of work, allowing six hits with zero walks to his credit.

In the fifth frame, the Redbirds scored three more runs to increase their lead, 8-0, as they totaled three hits. The Huskies responded in the top of the sixth inning, rattlling off three hits and four runs to cut their deficit in half, 8-4.

NIU loaded the bases with zero outs, including a single by Brian Sisler (DeKalb, Ill./DeKalb), and scored its first run on a fielder's choice by Micah McCulloch (Rochelle, Ill./Rochelle Township). With two outs, the Huskies scored two more runs with two outs as Fletcher doubled down the right field line with a full count to make it an 8-3 game.

Joe Jumonville (Munster, Ind./Munster) followed suit on the very next at-bat as he drove a 2-2 pitch down the right field line, scoring Fletcher from second, and making it an 8-4 game.

On the mound, Sweeney posted three-straight scoreless innings, allowing only three hits in his outing while fanning three in the effort. Northern Illinois University was unable to extend the rally in the final three innings as ISU clinched the victory, 8-4.

The Huskies will return to action Friday, April 10 when it heads to Akron, taking on the Zips at Lee R. Jackson Field. First pitch on Friday is set for 2 p.m. Central.