DeKALB, ILL- Calvin Bickerstaff tossed seven innings of one-run ball and Josh Johnson and Brody Williams led a balanced offense in a 7-3 series opening win at NIU on Friday.
Bickerstaff needed only 85 pitches to go seven frames, scattering five hits and allowing one earned run, while striking out seven and walking nobody.
The right-hander got run support before he ever took the mound. Williams got his big day started with a single that plated Tim Orr in the first inning, giving Kent State an early lead. The catcher struck again in the third, cracking a three-run homer over the left field wall.