The University of Massachusetts baseball team split a doubleheader against Northern Illinois, winning the first game 4-0 but losing the second 6-4 in 11 innings. In the opener, Vance Bonior hit a two-run homer, and Callen Powers pitched seven shutout innings to secure the win. Game two showcased a back-and-forth contest culminating in extra innings, with the Huskies ultimately prevailing. As both teams head into the rubber match, UMass is now 6-16 overall and 2-12 in the Mid-American Conference, while Northern Illinois improves to 17-9 and 9-5 in league play.

By the Numbers
  • Callen Powers struck out a career-high 10 batters in game one.
  • Massachusetts tallied 12 hits across both games, with McCarthy contributing 3 hits in game two.
Yes, But

Despite a strong first game, UMass continues to struggle in the Mid-American Conference, highlighting the need for consistency in their performance to improve their record.

State of Play
  • The series is tied as teams head towards the rubber match on April 4.
  • UMass' current record stands at 6-16, while Northern Illinois sits at 17-9.
What's Next

UMass will aim to clinch the series with a victory in the rubber match scheduled for Saturday morning, while Northern Illinois seeks to extend their winning momentum.

Bottom Line

The success of UMass hinges on their ability to build on positive moments from the first game and convert opportunities in high-pressure situations during the next matchup.