Breaking the NIU record for runs scored in a single game, NIU baseball (13-22, 3-12 MAC) scored 27 runs to defeat Northwestern University (16-18, 7-8 B1G) by 16 runs in seven innings.
“We had a tough weekend at Ball State and sometimes all you need is a change in scenery,” said NIU baseball head coach Ryan Copeland via NIU Athletics. “We felt confident coming in here after playing really well and swinging the bats last year. We challenged our guys to stay at it offensively and make sure we stayed in the strike zone. Once we got the lead, we stayed relentless and were on the barrel one through nine. Everybody was dangerous and had good at-bats.”
This is the second year in a row that the Huskies have upset the Wildcats and the second win against a Big Ten opponent this season, after beating Purdue on April 1.
In addition to the runs record, senior outfielder CJ Cepicky became the first Huskie to record two grand slams in a game, recording 8 RBIs while paving the way for the Huskies’ upset.
“I don’t think I’d ever hit a grand slam before, let alone two home runs in the same game,” Cepicky said via NIU Athletics. “To do it against a Big Ten team was special. I’ve been struggling a bit and the guys picked me up. This is the momentum we needed. It’s our second Big Ten win of the year. It shows how good of a team we are when we pitch, hit and field and put it all together.”
The Huskies went up first, holding a 1-0 lead before the Wildcats came to the plate. After adding four more on Cepicky’s first grand slam in the second inning, the Huskie offense blew the game open in the third.
A series of hits drove in four for NIU, before junior catcher Logan Gregorio hit his 14th home run of the season over the left centerfield wall to put the Huskies up 12-2.
Another 4 runs in the fourth inning set the scene for a six-run sixth to tie NIU’s runs record. Sophomore outfielder Charlie Parcell rounded out the scoring spree with a 3 RBI double, scoring Cepicky, sophomore catcher Cooper Cohn and junior infielder Ben Loyd.
The Wildcats’ offense went for 5 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, bringing the Huskies’ lead to 22-10.
The record-breaking run for the Huskies was unearned, when Loyd walked with the bases loaded in the seventh inning, sending senior outfielder Gavin Baldwin across the plate for NIU’s 23rd run.
With the bases still loaded, Cepicky launched his second long ball of the night over the left centerfield wall to put NIU up 27-10.
In addition to the runs record, the Huskies’ 17 walks are the most earned in a single game, breaking the 16 walk record set on Feb. 16 against Nicholls State.
Sophomore pitcher Danny Cihokci got the start for NIU, going 3.2 innings while allowing 5 runs off 8 hits.
Earning the win, redshirt-junior Mason Ruh pitched 1.1 scoreless innings while allowing just 1 hit.
“Danny (Cihocki) threw the ball better than his line says,” Copeland said via NIU Athletics. “It was a tough day to pitch with a quick field and the wind blowing out. He looked the part and made it tough on them. I liked how he threw the ball. We treated this like a must-win, and we threw our good arms to find a way to win today.”
The Huskies start a three-game series at 3 p.m. Thursday against Akron University at Ralph McKinzie Field at Walt and Janice Owens Park. The game will be streamed on NIU All-Access and live stats will be updated on SideArm Stats.
