NIU baseball (2-7) dropped its mid-week showdown versus the University of Iowa Hawkeyes (4-4) by a score of 14-6.
The Hawkeyes used a total of 10 pitchers in the contest, with their starting pitcher, sophomore pitcher Justin Hackett, only lasting 0.1 innings.
The Huskies used eight pitchers in the game, with each one totaling one inning of work. NIU’s starter, junior pitcher Mason Ruh, gave up 5 runs in the opening frame on 4 hits.
NIU dug itself into an early hole in this game, surrendering two first-inning home runs and seven total runs in the first two innings. The Hawkeyes did not trail for the entirety of the game.
NIU only mustered 6 hits throughout the game but managed to draw 10 walks. However, the Huskies were unable to cash in on opportunities with men on base, as they left a total of 11 runners stranded.
“We battled throughout,” said NIU baseball head coach Ryan Copeland via NIU Athletics. “We had some good at-bats late in the game and were able to score some runs. We drew 10 walks. When you’re playing from behind, it feels like you can never score enough and that’s a tough position for the offense to be in.”
Senior infielder Mason Kelley drove in four of NIU’s six runs in the game, three coming off an RBI double in the 5th inning to put the Huskies on the board. Kelley also scored senior catcher/outfielder Colin Summerhill on a groundout in the 8th inning.
“Mason has been a pleasant surprise so far this season,” Copeland said. “We wanted him to be a little more dangerous at the plate. He’s gotten some big hits for us and he’s finding ways to drive in runs.”
Summerhill also had an impressive day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two walks and raising his season average to .382. The starting right fielder drove in a run in the eigh8th inning on an RBI triple and later scored NIU’s final run of the contest.
The Huskies will be back in action with a doubleheader starting at noon CT on Friday at the University of Cincinnati. The game will be available to watch via ESPN+ and live stats will be available on Stat Broadcast.
