Pitching has been a strong point for the Huskies this year, but not on Wednesday, according to NIU coach Ed Mathey, as the Huskies split a doubleheader with Bradley, 4-5, 5-3.

The Huskies (10-8) had their five-game winning streak snapped in Game 1 as Bradley (8-11) scored the last three runs of the contest for the win.

Five pitchers took the mound for NIU in the first game with none pitching more than two innings.

Jeremy Busch went 2-for-3, which included a two-run double in the second inning to put NIU up 3-0.

NIU third baseman Rob Marconi ended his 15-game hitting streak in Game 1.

Freshman Nick Hall (1-2) got his first win of the season in Game 2, as he pitched five and one-third innings, allowing one run on four hits.

Outfielder Mike Santoro provided three RBIs in the nightcap and made a diving catch with the bases loaded in the sixth inning to end a potential Bradley comeback.

“We got the split, but like I told the guys, they’ve got to come ready to grind every game if we want to win 35 to 40 games,” Mathey said. “We were nibbling all day. We didn’t pitch to win, and these guys are not a good hitting team.”