An in-state rivalry game will be a nice break from conference competition for NIU baseball. It gives the Huskies a chance to fine-tune their roster without losing ground in the MAC. Plus, it’s a chance to earn bragging rights.

NIU baseball travels to Normal to face Illinois State (13-13) at 6 p.m. today. The Huskies (12-15 overall, 5-4 MAC) send Dave Reynolds to the mound to square off with Quinn Ewert. Reynolds is 3-0 with a 2.54 ERA.

“Dave matches up well,” said NIU head coach Ed Mathey. “He’ll throw strikes and will be in the zone, and if all three of his pitches are working, he’ll be successful. He’s a fast worker and has composure out on the mound.”

Ewert gets his fourth start of the year. The junior is 0-0 with a 5.65 ERA.

“[Ewert] is a right-handed pitcher and has experience,” Mathey said. “A few of our guys have familiarity with him and should be comfortable. [The hitters] are going to try and use the whole field and if we do that, we have a chance to be successful.”

NIU hitters are batting .280 on the year in comparison to the Redbirds’ .262 average. The Huskies pounded out 35 hits last weekend with a .318 batting average and look to continue that against ISU.

The Redbirds lead the all-time series over the Huskies 31-28. However, NIU swept the season series in 2007 and looks forward to the friendly competition.

“A lot of guys on their roster know guys on our roster,” Mathey said. “They played on travel clubs and high school teams, so there’s a lot of familiarity. There are also bragging rights involved and I anticipate a good-spirited contest.”