The last time the Bobcats were in Mid-American Conference play they were throwing up zeroes on the scoreboard en route to a win in the 2015 MAC Tournament by virtue of dominant pitching.
Ohio returned to MAC play on Friday, and this time was on the other end of a strong pitching performance.
Northern Illinois tossed a five-hit shutout, and clipped the Bobcats 2-0 inside Bob Wren Stadium on Friday night in the MAC opener for both teams.
The Huskies (5-16, 1-0 MAC) were powered throughout by freshman right-hander William Anderson, who tossed eight strong innings.