Two-out hits paved the way for the NIU baseball team Wednesday as the Huskies took down in-state rival Eastern Illinois 9-7 in Charleston.

With the wind slightly blowing, NIU coach Ed Mathey decided before the game to change his hitters’ approach when they stepped up to the plate.

Instead of going up trying crush the ball, Mathey wanted his players to try and hit singles to the opposite field.

Led by Mike Santoro and Kyle Cherney, who both went 3-for-5, the Huskies (8-16) made their coach’s plan a success. NIU connected for 16 hits and scored seven of its nine runs with two outs.

“I think this might have been one of the best offensive approaches of the season,” Mathey said. “It wasn’t as easy a day to hit, but we did what we had to do.”

Jeff Hall started the game for NIU, but it was freshman Dave Nykiel who entered the game in the third inning and picked up his first collegiate win.

Nykiel allowed two hits and struck out two in three innings of work. The right-hander also didn’t allow a single EIU player past first base and induced two double plays.

“[Hall] has a bad ankle but he wanted to try and battle through it,” Mathey said. “Nykiel came in and pitched three solid innings to get the win.”

When Nykiel was pulled for Matt German before the seventh inning, EIU (6-20) made an attempt at a comeback.

The Panthers scored a run in both the seventh and eighth innings to cut the deficit to 8-7, but couldn’t take the lead. NIU then added an insurance run in the ninth.

Freshman Brian Smith picked up his second save of the season and continued to show his versatility.

The former No. 2 pitcher, who moved to closer two weeks ago, started at first base for the second straight game. He went 1-for-4 Wednesday and 2-for-4 with two RBIs on Tuesday.

“He has a lot of ability,” Mathey said. “He’s been around baseball for awhile and been well-schooled in the game. And he’s been really showing how valuable he can be lately.”