Ed Mathey knows there’s still work to be done.

With a three-game series sweep over Buffalo, the NIU baseball head coach now holds the school’s all–time record for most wins. But 146 wins isn’t Mathey’s ultimate goal.

“Our challenge coming here six years ago was to change the culture, and I think we have made steps with three 30-win seasons, but we still have our sights set on a MAC Championship,” Mathey said.

The Huskies are on their way to that goal, opening up the season with a three–game sweep over Buffalo to start MAC play. NIU is off to a 3-0 start in conference play for the second straight season.

“Any sweep in the MAC is great, and to get a sweep on the road is very important for our team,” Mathey said. “There are a lot of games to play yet, but starting 3-0 gets you out on top of the standings at the beginning of the season.”


GAME 1

In the first game of the series, the Huskies trailed Buffalo 3-1 in the seventh when NIU posted eight runs on six hits.

Dave Reynolds started the inning with a double to center field and Justin Behm hit Reynolds home with a two-run home run. Anthony Maziur scored on a fielder’s choice and Bobby Stevens scored on an error.

The Huskies loaded the bases later in the inning and Reynolds slugged a grand slam. For the game, Reynolds was 2–for–5 with five RBIs and two runs scored.

Trevor Feeney pitched a complete game for NIU, striking out seven and allowing nine hits, three walks and three earned runs.


GAME 2

The offense continued into the second game of the doubleheader, as the Huskies recorded their most lopsided MAC victory in the Modern Era with a 17-1 win over the Bulls.

NIU scored three runs in the first inning, four runs in the second and third innings, five runs in the sixth and one run in the seventh. The Huskies had four players end the game with three or more RBIs.

NIU got another complete game with pitcher Adam Holdenrid. The senior tied his career high with nine strikeouts while giving up three hits, one walk and one earned run in his first complete game victory.


GAME 3

In the final game, the Huskies needed a ninth–inning comeback to defeat the Bulls.

Trailing 4-3 in the ninth, the Huskies loaded the bases. Bobby Stevens tied the game by scoring on a passed ball. Danny Reed singled to score Jeff Thomas and continue his hitting streak to a career-high 15 games. Reynolds singled and hit Reed home.

Starter Matt Jernstad gave up three hits and two earned runs in 5.1 innings for a no-decision. Reliever Andy Deain picked up the victory for NIU by throwing a scoreless ninth.

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