NIU baseball has seen its share of streaks this season. The Huskies were swept in their first series against Ball State in the middle of an eight-game losing streak.

Since ending the losing streak with a win over Wisconsin-Milwaukee, NIU has won seven of 10, including a sweep of MAC opponent Western Michigan.

Scott Simon has led the Huskies’ offense, which averages more than seven runs a game. With 54 RBIs this season, Simon needs three more to tie the NIU single-season record for RBIs.

“I’ve had the opportunity to drive in runs because of the guys hitting in front of me,” Simon said. “They’ve done a good job of getting on base.”

Simon has the 54 RBIs despite Rob Marconi’s team-leading 10 home runs this season. Marconi bats third, in front of the cleanup hitter Simon. Simon and Marconi lead the team in hitting, batting .385 and .361, respectively.

Lefties Joe Piekarz and Zach Minor have proven themselves as the aces of the Huskies’ pitching staff. Piekarz (4-4) leads NIU starters with a 2.63 ERA, while Minor (5-1) is second with a 2.73 ERA.

Trevor Wohlgemuth has played the roll of closer with a team-leading 0.98 ERA and earned his fifth save in the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader against St. Xavier.

NIU (19-18 overall, 5-4 MAC) heads into its fourth series of MAC play this weekend on the road against Central Michigan (18-18, 7-3). The Huskies have traveled for three of the four MAC series they’ve played this year.

“It’s tough being on the road,” NIU coach Ed Mathey said, “but after this weekend, we’ll have three of our last four series at home.”

After being swept in the first series of the season, NIU has won both of its other sets, sweeping Western Michigan and winning two of three at Bowling Green.

“Our goal is to go .500 on the road and win everything at home,” Simon said. “Our pitching is giving us a chance to win every three-game series.”