Huskies Edged 5-4 by Bradley in Home Opener :: Stevens, Reed and Kamin each contribute two hits in game one of doubleheader

March 25, 2008

DeKALB, Ill. - Northern Illinois dropped its home opener Tuesday afternoon 5-4 to Bradley in the first of a doubleheader. The Huskies (7-11) took a 3-1 lead but were unable to hold on in the seven-inning contest.

NIU went ahead 1-0 in the bottom of the first on a wind-blown infield pop-up by Danny Reed (Lindstrom, Minn./North Iowa Area CC) that dropped for a RBI single.

With the game knotted at one, the Huskies scored twice in the fourth to take a 3-1 advantage. Justin Behm (Downers Grove, Ill./North) singled to open the frame and Tim Kamin (Oak Lawn, Ill./Richards) belted a triple to right center that put NIU ahead. One batter later an errant throw to the plate on a squeeze attempt scored Kamin.

In the top of the fifth Dan Brewer hit a three-run home run over left field to give Bradley its first lead of the game at 4-3.

Bobby Stevens (Chicago, Ill./Guerin Prep) answered with a homer of his own to lead off the bottom half of the inning, a solo shot over the left field fence, to draw the game even at four.

The Braves got the decisive run in the top of the sixth on a RBI single by Adam Kimble.

Reed, Kamin and Stevens each collected three hits for NIU, who dropped its first home opener since the 2001 season. Brandon Copp (Aurora, Ill./West) took the loss (1-3) despite hurling a complete game with six hits, four earned runs, two walks and four strikeouts.

Chris Wright (1-3) picked up the win for Bradley (9-9).

HUSKIE TRACKS
-NIU stole three bases in the game marking the eighth time that the Huskies have swiped three or more in a game this season.
-The Huskies suffered their first home opening loss under head coach Ed Mathey and their first since a loss to Chicago State in 2001.
-Brandon Copp recorded his first career complete game and the third by a Huskie pitcher in the last four contests this season.