Earlier in the season, NIU took 10 innings to defeat the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee by a score of 3-2.

At 3 p.m. today, the Huskies (19-21 overall, 11-7 MAC) will take on the Panthers in Milwaukee.

NIU figures to need more offense to get the win against the Panthers (14-26 overall, 6-10 Horizon) this time around.

“We say around here it’s a race to five,” said Huskies coach Ed Mathey. “If we can get to five runs first, that’s a good sign.”

The offense could come from Huskies’ third baseman Jordin Hood, who comes into the game on a 14-game hitting streak.

It could also come from designated hitter Justin Behm, who is coming off a weekend where he hit .400 against Eastern Michigan.

“It’s all about seeing the ball,” Behm said. “I just hope I can keep it up.”

It will take more than just better offensive production for the Huskies to get a win, though.

Taking the ball for the Huskies will be left-hander Matt Jernstad. Jernstad is coming off one of his best performances of the season. In his last start against University of Illinois-Chicago, the senior gave up two runs in 7 1/3 innings.

“Matt has been throwing the ball real well,” Mathey said. “We need him to continue.”

Jernstad will have to pitch especially carefully to two Panthers. Outfielder Nick Wichser is hitting .390 and catcher Shaun Wegner is hitting .384. Mathey knows Jernstad will be a key to victory for the Huskies.

“Matt’s ability to go deep in the game is important if we want to win the game,” Mathey said.

The Huskies are fresh off a series win against Eastern Michigan this past weekend. The Panthers lost two out of three to Wright State last weekend.