A Late‑Game Rally Defines the Opening Round
Coastal Carolina jumped out to a 4‑0 lead in the first two innings, capitalizing on early hits and a timely sacrifice.
The Huskies answered in the fourth, exploding for eight runs that turned a 10‑4 deficit into a 10‑4 lead, fueled by a clutch hitting streak.
Dean Mihos, the Coastal Carolina slugger, contributed a double, a home run and four RBIs, but the Huskies’ Nolan Sandee matched the production with two hits and four RBIs of his own.
Despite a late surge that saw the Chanticleers plate runs in the fifth and ninth innings, the rally fell short as Northern Illinois held on for a 12‑10 win.
A Date with Top‑Seeded Florida State
The victory propels Northern Illinois into an elimination game against the tournament’s No. 1 seed, Florida State, scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. ET, where the stakes will only intensify.