Not all runs are created equal.

Baseball is simple; whoever scores the most runs wins the game. But when a team scores, those runs can make all the difference.

Going into the batter’s box for the first time in NIU’s second game against Buffalo, NIU designated hitter Alex Beckmann drove a single into the field. A few pitchers later, second baseman Joe

Buonavolanto did the same.

With two men on base, No. 3 hitter Jordin Hood belted a double, bringing in two runs.

Buffalo (8-12 overall, 0-3 MAC) then made a big inning turn into an explosive inning for NIU. Huskie clean-up hitter Dave Reynolds hit a grounder. Upon hearing the ball hit the bat, Hood ran toward home. Instead of going for the sure out at first base, the Bulls decided to go for the play at the plate. As the ball came toward home, Hood easily slid in to score the third Huskie run.

The mistake proved costly as Reynolds eventually came in to score. NIU (6-12, 3-0) went back onto the field to start the second leading 4-0.

“It’s a big momentum swing,” Hood said. “It’s a huge boost for both our offense and defense being able to score like that.”

Buffalo tried to steal NIU’s momentum, however, by scoring two runs in the top of the second. The Huskies were able to respond to the Bulls’ attack, scoring another three runs in the bottom portion of the frame.

With two outs left in the bottom of the second, Buffalo head coach Ron Torgalski was forced to take out his starter Jeffrey Hains. The Bulls’ skipper was forced to go into his bullpen early for a second straight day, as he had to do the same in game one of the three-game series, making the bullpen weaker for the final game of the series on Sunday.

“We extended their bullpen out,” said NIU head coach Ed Mathey. “It means if they get in a dilemma, they might have to go to their game one starter on short rest now.”

While Mathey was happy that his team was able to take out Hains by the Huskies’ early offensive attack, he was even more excited how they responded to the Bulls’ second-inning comeback.

By scoring three runs in the second, NIU negated the ground gained by Buffalo in the top half of the frame and added to its lead. The offensive blitz made sure that NIU maintained momentum for the rest of the game. It also helped to provide confidence for a young pitching staff.

“It’s really a nice luxury to have,” the Huskie skipper said. “It lets your pitchers feel like they don’t have to be perfect out there.”