March 13, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Northwestern's baseball team make the short trip to the South Loop this Friday and Saturday as it takes on UIC in a three-game series. Friday's contest gets underway at 4 p.m. at Les Miller Field while Saturday's doubleheader gets started at noon.
Sophomore southpaw Eric Jokisch gets the start in the series' opening game. Sporting a 1-0 record with a 3.18 ERA, Jokisch has been forced to settle for a pair of no-decisions his last two times out. The reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year struck out eight in seven innings of work his last time out at Kansas last weekend.
Junior lefty Joe Muraski (0-2, 6.23) gets the nod for the Wildcats in Saturday's first game, while freshman right-hander Zach Morton (0-2, 8.10) will take the hill in the nightcap.
NU (2-9) is looking to bounce back from three losses at Kansas a week ago. Friday's opener was especially devistating as the Wildcats saw a late four-run lead disappear in a 9-8 defeat.
Kenneth Avila continues to lead the 'Cats with a .325 batting average, while Tony Vercelli is close behind with a .302 average and a team-high four doubles. Freshman Trevor Stevens is off to a solid start to his collegiate career, batting .297 while being tied for the team lead with six RBI.
Meanwhile, the Flames (1-9) enter their series with Northwestern in search of some much-needed wins as well. Senior right-handed pitcher Adam Worthington has been a bright spot for UIC, sporting a 1.17 ERA in 15.1 innings of work. Named the Horizon League Relief Pitcher of the Year last season, Worthington has moved into a starting role this year. He'll oppose Jokisch in the series opener.