DEKALB, IL – The Northern Illinois University baseball team closes out its home schedule for the 2018 season with a three-game series against the University of Toledo Friday-Sunday.

The Huskies are coming off only their second loss – a 7-6 rain-shortened setback to Illinois State University Wednesday – in the last nine games at home as NIU has compiled a 7-2 record over the previous three weeks at Ralph McKinzie Field.

"Disappointing end to a shortened game but it is what it is," Huskies' head coach Mike Kunigonis said. "Both teams knew we were fighting to get as much of a game in as we could before the threat came in. Unfortunately we were on the wrong side of it."

During the Huskies' hot streak at home, they've out-scored their opponents 65-34 and are averaging just over seven runs per game. What's more is they've connected for 22 extra base hits, and have a collective on-base percentage of nearly .500. Pitching-wise NIU hurlers have handcuffed their opponents to a .204 batting average and have struck out 84 batters.

"It's great to see our guys have success at home," Kunigonis said. "We're looking forward to getting back to the friendly confines of the Ralph this weekend."

As part of the final homestand of the season, NIU baseball will be honoring its senior class of student-athletes Scooter Bynum (Fairbanks, Alaska /Arizona Western College), Joe Jumonville (Munster, Ind./Munster), Donovin Sims (Roscoe, Ill./Hononegah Community), Samuel Vega (Vega Baja, Puerto Rico/Southwestern Junior College), Matthew Hoffmann (East Dubuque, Ill./Wahlert Catholic), Brad Wood (Orland Park, Ill./St. Laurence), George Faue (Corcoan, Minn./Iowa Central) and Andrew Frankenreider (Peoria, Ill./Dunlap).

"We've seen some great things from each one of these guys on and off the field, and I'm extremely proud of each one of them," Kunigonis said. "Each one of them is going to be successful when they leave here and I'm proud to have coached them in their time here."

In addition at each game NIU will be celebrating Strike Out ALS while Saturday's game will feature City of Dekalb Day where Dekalb mayor Jerry Smith will throw out the first pitch.

--NIU--