NIU pitcher Nathan Stillwell didn’t let history repeat itself Wednesday at Ralph McKinzie Field.

A week after watching a strong start against Eastern Illinois ruined by a seven-run fifth inning, the 6-foot-1 right-hander picked up the win over St. Xavier in Game 1 of a doubleheader by a 2-1 ledger.

Stillwell set a career high, striking out nine Cougars.

“I was just throwing strikes and consistently staying ahead of guys,” Stillwell said. “That was probably the biggest thing.”

A Lisle native, Stillwell nearly went the distance for his second win of the season. He retired the first two batters of the seventh and final inning before allowing a double to Ryan Howell.

NIU coach Ed Mathey pulled Stillwell in favor of closer Trevor Wohlgemuth, who weathered a Greg Larsen error to close out the Cougars.

By allowing just one run in his 6 2/3 innings of work, Stillwell lowered his ERA on the season from 6.91 to 6.03.

He credited catcher Tug Gillingham with aiding his performance.

“Tug did a good job calling the game,” Stillwell said. “We were on the same page today.”

Mathey said Stillwell’s fastball was the key to his performance.

“Nathan [Stillwell] did a great job today,” Mathey said. “He was aggressive in the strike zone, and his fastball was very good.”