MUNCIE, IN – An RBI single in the bottom of the 11th inning spoiled an otherwise well-played game for the Northern Illinois University baseball team as they dropped a 3-2 decision to host Ball State University at Ball Diamond Park Friday afternoon.

The Huskies staked a 2-0 lead in the first two innings, but saw their advantage dwindle on one swing – a two-run home run – in the third inning. From there however, Huskie pitchers yielded only one extra base hit and stranded six Ball State runners on base until the game-winning hit in extra frames. With the loss, NIU moved to 15-26 overall and 5-11 in the MAC.

"Hard fought battle between two good teams," Huskies' head coach Mike Kunigonis said. "The difference in the game was they got the big hit and we didn't."

NIU starting pitcher Tanner Foster (St. Charles, Iowa/Southeastern Community College) worked a season-high eight innings and pitched well enough to win as he struck out eight batters and walked none. Sophomore Nate Thomas (South Bend, Ind./Mishawaka Marian) came on in relief and tossed 2 2/3 innings of three-hit ball. He fanned four batters and walked none.

"Tanner and Nate threw very well today and deserved better than they got," Kunigonis said. "Just a hard luck loss for us."

NIU plated the first of its two runs in the second inning when Scooter Bynum (Fairbanks, Alaska /Arizona Western College) stole home on a double steal with Alex Rodriguez (Cudahy, Wis./Cudahy). Red shirt junior Hunter Bross (Scottsdale, Ariz./Mesa Community College) then roped an RBI triple to center field, allowing Rodriguez to score.

The Huskies connected for six hits with Samuel Vega (Vega Baja, Puerto Rico/Southwestern Junior College), Tommy Szczasny (Tinley Park, Ill./Lincoln-Way North), Kam Smith (Colonial Beach, Va./The Steward School), Bynum, Joe Jumonville (Munster, Ind./Munster) and Bross each connecting. NIU left nine runners on base.

"We'll be back tomorrow ready to get back in the series," Kunigonis said.

NIU resumes the three-game set with a 12 p.m. single game. Freshman RHP Michael Lasiewicz (McHenry, Ill./McHenry) – after his MAC Pitcher of the Week performance against Miami (OH) April 21 – will take the mound for the Huskies.

--NIU--