NIU pounded Calumet College in a doubleheader as the Huskies won 15-1 and 6-0 Saturday afternoon at Ralph McKenzie Field.

The home opener allowed the Huskies (9-7) to extend their winning streak to five games.

“It feels great,” NIU coach Ed Mathey said. “We executed a lot of things offensively and defensively. Our pitching was outstanding. It’s definitely a good way to get started here at home.”

NIU finished both games scoring a combined 21 runs off of 22 hits.

Calumet College struggled with both pitching and defense. Mathey said the two-year old program was less-advanced than his Huskies. Calumet College allowed nine runs off four hits in the third inning of the first game.

NIU cruised from there, surrendering just one run in the final inning to a Greg Ray home run, as NIU marched to victory 15-1.

The second game was short work for the Huskies as well, their first inning run would be all NIU would need in a 6-0 triumph.

Greg Larsen fought out of his early season slump, finishing the afternoon a combined 3-for-7 with 4 RBI’s.

“It was a great day for Greg,” Mathey said. “Part of the problem is that he hasn’t been getting consistent at-bats … Today he showed what he is capable of.”

Mike Brown, NIU’s leadoff hitter, combined to hit 3-for-6 with two walks and two runs scored.

“It’s hard being the leadoff man because you don’t know what to expect,” Brown said. “You’re the first guy to see what that pitcher’s got and you have to relay it to your teammates.

“My job is to get on base and try to steal a couple of bases. I’m not really a power guy, just a guy that gets on base for the other big guys to drive me in.”

NIU’s pitching proved dominant allowing five hits for the day. Starter’s Zach Minor and Joe Piekarz handled the bulk of the pitching duty, covering 12 of the 14 innings pitched.