DeKALB – NIU baseball (5-22) dropped its fifth consecutive game after a 6-3 loss to the University of Illinois Chicago Flames (11-13) Tuesday. Despite nine total runs scored, both teams squandered multiple scoring opportunities, combining to leave 18 runners on base. 

UIC freshman catcher Jackson Bessette shouldered the load offensively, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs (runs batted in) and two runs scored. 

Junior pitcher Jacob Draeger started for the Huskies and suffered the loss, allowing four earned runs on four hits in four innings pitched. Draeger also issued five walks. UIC redshirt junior pitcher Zak Gould earned the win for the Flames, allowing just one earned run on two hits in five innings of work. Graduate infielder Charlie Szykowny earned the save for UIC. 

The Huskies struggled offensively, managing just six hits, none of which went for extra bases. Senior outfielder Malik Peters was a bright spot for NIU, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. 

The Flames got on the scoreboard early with one run in the bottom of the first inning. Szykowny drove home junior catcher Cole Conn with a sacrifice fly to give UIC a 1-0 lead. 

NIU junior right fielder Eric Erato answered with a sacrifice fly of his own in the top of the third inning to even the score at 1-1. 

UIC regained the lead with three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, highlighted by a two RBI single from Bassette to give UIC a 3-1 lead. The Flames added one more run in the inning to take a 4-1 lead heading into the fifth inning. 

The Flames added to their lead with an RBI single from junior infielder Rayth Petersen off of NIU junior pitcher Caleb Pittman to extend the lead to 5-1. 

In the top of the seventh inning, NIU cut the deficit to 5-3 with a two-RBI single from Peters. The Flames responded immediately with an RBI single from Bessette to take a 6-3 lead going into the eighth inning.  

After the first two Huskie hitters were retired in the top of the ninth inning, NIU put together a scoring threat. Sophomore infielder Christian Seegers walked, Peters followed with a single and Erato walked to load the bases with two outs. 

After Erato’s walk, Szykowny took the mound for UIC. Szykowny faced just one batter, striking out junior infielder Andre Demetral to end the game and secure the 6-3 win for the Flames. 

The Huskies’ next game will be at 3 p.m. Friday against Central Michigan University at Ralph McKinzie Field. The game will be streamed via NIU All-Access and live stats will be available via SideArm Stats.