Alex Klonowski
After carrying a 5-0 lead into the bottom of the sixth inning against Saint Mary’s (Calif.), the Northern Illinois baseball team surrendered 10-unanswered runs to the Gaels and fell, 10-5.
“After yesterday’s performance against Arizona State, we’re disappointed with how we played today,” said head coach Ed Mathey. “We played uncharacteristic of ourselves. Tommy (Barry) pitched a whale of a game and it’s unfortunate that we weren’t able to get the win with his performance.”
NIU opened the game with four runs in the first inning, two of which were driven in by Alex Klonowski (Kearney, Mo.) on a double. Michael Kane (Chicago, Ill/Notre Dame College Prep) also hit a double to drive in Klonowski from second, followed by Alex Beckmann’s (Batavia, Ill.) RBI single.
The Huskies would add theirfinal run in the fourth, when Connor Duckhorn (Darien, Ill./Hinsdale South) singled and stole two bases, including home plate.
SMC poured on the runs in its final three innings at the plate as the Gaels batted around the order and scored six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Saint Mary’s added three runs in the seventh and one in the eighth.
Tom Barry (Orland Park, Ill./Providence Catholic) pitched five innings for the Huskies, surrendering five hits, four walks, two earned runs and striking out four in his no decision outing. Ben Etcheverry (Winter Haven, Fla./Lake Region) was credited with the loss. The Gaels Ryan Brockett earned the win in 5.2 relief innings on the mound.
The Huskies will close the Coca Cola Classic at noon Sunday, March 4, against No. 24 Oregon State.
For more information on NIU baseball and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.
