After losing game one of a doubleheader, NIU was down 5-0 without recording an out in the top of the first inning of game two.

Things only got worse as NIU head coach Ed Mathey was ejected in the inning.
Reliever Dan Atkenson inherited a five–run deficit from NIU starter Tom Zelasko.

The reliever shut down Bradley for seven innings, producing the 11-6 Huskie victory. Atkenson improved his record to 2-0.

“When you come in, you don’t expect do be down five runs,” the pitcher said. “But you have to come in and pump strikes; you got to stop the bleeding a little bit.”

The Huskies’ offense also did their part, clubbing four home runs in the victory.

“Our hitters did a great job in the bottom of the first inning to get some momentum back,” Mathey said. “We always talk to our kids about the momentum in baseball.”

Two of the home runs came from NIU second baseman Joe Buonavolanto. It marked the first and second times the sophomore touched them all in his college career.

“It feels pretty good, especially in the home opener,” Buonavolanto said. “I’ve been struggling a bit, but I put some good swings on the ball today.”

NIU lost its first home game 5-4 to the Braves during Game 1 of the twin bill.

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