Box Score

KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan gave up just three hits, but a three-run home run in the top of the sixth was all Northern Illinois needed to push past the Broncos, 4-2, Friday. Jamie Simpson led the Brown & Gold at the plate with two of WMU's six hits, both doubles.

Bronco right-hander Brian Stroud showed some of his best stuff to open the game, striking out the first four batters. In the second, NIU's Justin Behm reached on an error, and scored with two outs on a double by Jordin White. It was the first hit allowed by Stroud and the run would be unearned. Stroud retired the side in the third and didn't allow another hit until the sixth.

Western Michigan scored two runs in the bottom of the third to take the lead, 2-1. Simpson started off the inning with a double. Three Broncos drew walks and Brad Wehrmeyer singled in the frame. Ryan McMillin drove the first run with a sacrifice fly and Kyle Galbraith was credited with an RBI after a bases loaded walk.

In the top of the sixth, Dave Reynolds lead off the inning with a double for the Huskies and Stroud walked Behm. After a short conference on the mound, Stroud delivered his first offering to Matt Behren, who jumped on the pitch and sent it out over the fence in left field.

Adam Oates (1-4) took over on the mound for NIU in the top of the fifth and held Western Michigan's offense at bay the rest of the game. The Broncos had just two runners in scoring position the final five innings and neither made it farther than second base.

Stroud (3-9) lasted 7.0 innings and struck out eight batters. Kevan Hess finished out the game and struck out two.

Western Michigan (13-35, 8-18 MAC) concludes the 2009 season tomorrow with the last game of the three-game series against Northern Illinois (19-33, 10-15 MAC) at 1 p.m. The Broncos will honor their seniors prior to the game.