One of the NIU baseball team’s weaknesses this season has been its pitching.

That wasn’t the case Wednesday afternoon, as five NIU pitchers allowed only two runs in a 16-2 drubbing of Chicago State.

NIU (13-21) starter Zach Badgley allowed six hits and walked four in his five innings of work but was able to work out of jams for his first collegiate victory.

“It was exciting,” Badgley said. “I walked a few more people than I would have liked. Besides that it’s good to get a win.”

Badgley was removed after the fifth due to a high pitch count, and relievers Brandon Copp, Kyle Glancy, Cody Beck and Tom Zelasko held the Cougars (3-32) the rest of the game.

“It was good for Zach to go out and get the work in, and he gave us a chance today,” said head coach Ed Mathey. “He’s got areas for improvement. The areas where he got into trouble: the walks started it all. That’s what we try to emphasize.”

The NIU bats did their part, etching out 20 hits on the day and also had the help of two Chicago State errors.

Shortstop and leadoff hitter Alex Jones led the way, going 4-6 with three RBIs, while left-fielder Nick Badgley went 3-5 and drove in two.

The offense gave Badgley a lead early, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first with the help of an RBI by Jordin Hood on a fielder’s choice and a double by designated hitter Nick Morreale, which plated two more.

It was all the scoring that Badgley and the rest of the NIU pitching staff would need.

“They’ve been awesome lately,” Badgley said.

Even though Chicago State has struggled all season, Mathey pointed out the fact that the Cougars aren’t pushovers, mentioning that the Cougars beat Pepperdine and Ball State earlier in the season.

“You just can’t take anybody lightly,” Mathey said. “You still have to outplay somebody.”

NIU continues MAC play against Toledo at Ralph McKinzie Field Friday through Sunday.