NORTHERN ILLINOIS SWEEPS SIU-C AT RENT ONE PARK

The Stevens homer, in addition to being a lead off homer, was hit with the first pitch of the ballgame. Heck-of-a shot. NIU's starting lefty in that game had everybody off. Most SIU batted balls were to right field. I sat behind the first base dugout and continued to move to stay in the sun. SIU defense looked good, but NIU overall looks to be in mid-season form already.

DenisR, My congrats to Branden on his terrific outing. I never like to see my Salukis get swept, but I'll always defer to a friend and salute his joy. All the best.

NIU got 2 of 3 from what will be a very good SIU team. I think Huskies & Western Michigan caught them at the right time, I'm guessing Southern will hit eventually and contend for the Valley.
Adam Holdenrid (Mendota) was great in game 1 win. Bob Stevens, Dave Reynolds & a few others with nice offensive weekends. Brandon gutted out a fortunate win in a game where he was wild but NIU hit well while SIU threw it around a bit. The Miners park is very nice.
Southern won game 3 Sunday in 77 degree sunshine. NIU got a ton of help from Arizona State, Hawaii, & Portland in getting them a couple of games outside after the terrible shooting. Classy & compassionate move by everyone involved in helping NIU including White Sox & a few other MLB teams. Being outside for a few days before SIU series was big.
Hi Rosey - thanks for the kind words. Keep us updated on how Jordan's doing & keep the Cub faith. Hope they win the division but lose that goofy song!