April 16, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Fresh off wins over Trinity International and Notre Dame, Northwestern returns to Rocky Miller Park for Big Ten play as it hosts Iowa in a three-game series. Friday's contest, which gets underway at 3 p.m., is being televised live by Big Ten Network. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
The Wildcats are coming off back-to-back victories, including a memorable 5-1 win over Notre Dame on Wednesday at U.S. Cellular Field. Senior Tony Vercelli socked a pair of late home runs, hitting a solo shot in the seventh inning and a two-run blast in the ninth. Tommy Finn and Trevor Stevens collected three hits apiece for NU. Sophomore lefty Eric Jokisch got the start and tossed five scoreless innings to earn the win. He allowed just four hits while striking out three.
Northwestern brings a 4-1 home record into this weekend's series with the Hawkeyes. The lone loss was by a slim 4-3 margin in the team's Big Ten opener against Purdue March 27. The Wildcats have played just five home games among their 32 contests this season (18 road, 9 neutral).
Scouting Iowa
The Hawkeyes (11-21, 2-7 Big Ten) have dropped eight straight contests, including an 8-5 loss Tuesday at Nebraska. Ryan Durant leads all regulars with a .330 batting average, while Wes Freie is hitting .309 with team-best totals of 10 doubles, six home runs and 29 RBI. Right-hander Phil Schrieber, who is slated to start Sunday's contest, paces all Iowa starting pitchers with a 3.65 ERA to go along with a 1-1 record. Jack Dahm is in his sixth season as Iowa's head coach.
Series History: Iowa leads, 124-95.
Last Season: Northwestern won three out of the four contests played in Iowa City April 19-20, 2008. The Wildcats won the opener 13-5 before falling 8-3. NU then swept a doubleheader the following day by scores of 13-6 and 9-6.
Probable Pitching Matchups
Friday - LHP Joe Muraski vs. RHP Nick Brown
Saturday - RHP Zach Morton vs. LHP Jarred Hippen
Sunday - LHP Eric Jokisch vs. RHP Phil Schreiber