To say the NIU baseball team is anxious to get on the field is an understatement.

The last time the Huskies got to compete on a diamond was Feb. 13 in Lubbock, Texas.

Since then it’s been just practices at the Campus Recreation Center and one home game on Tuesday that was rescheduled due to snow.

But snow won’t be a problem in the anticipated 60-degree weather in Carbondale. The Huskies will start a three-game series today with Southern Illinois (5-4) with the only weather problem being the possibility of rain.

“It’s going to be a challenge,” NIU coach Ed Mathey said. “But we are here to play games so I know the team is ready and anxious.”

In February, Mathey knew he had players who could hit – the question mark was the pitching. Despite scoring seven runs in every game against Texas Tech, the Huskies lost all three contests.

No NIU starting pitcher made it longer than five innings, which put a lot of pressure on a very young NIU bullpen, Mathey said.

Junior Nick Hall will take the mound today for NIU in hopes of trying to get its first win of the season. The right-hander opened the season in Texas by giving up four runs on 10 hits in four innings.

“Nick’s adrenaline got the better of him in that first game,” Mathey said. “He was really wired and he wasn’t throwing his best. But I know he has learned from the experience and should go further this time around.”

If Hall has a decent outing, Mathey said his hitters have more than enough power to take home the first victory of the season.

After the first series, NIU has four players batting over .400 with Scott Simon leading the way at .429.

After missing most of last season with a foot injury, Mike Santoro hit three home runs and had five RBIs in Texas and was named MAC Player of the Week.

“As a coach you always look to count on the guys at the top of the lineup,” Mathey said. “And we have got some proven college hitters in those slots. Now that we are playing again they just have to stay consistent.”