Baseball looks to improve on unbeaten record in Alabama

After battling monsoon-like conditions on their last road trip, Northwestern’s baseball team isn’t looking for warm weather this weekend. They just want it to be dry.

NU’s search for more arid weather takes the team to Mobile, Ala., where it will compete in the Coca-Coca Classic. The undefeated Wildcats (2-0) will open today against Southern Mississippi (3-1). On Saturday, NU will face tournament host South Alabama (1-4). The Cats round out their weekend Sunday against St. John’s.

Southern Mississippi is coming off a 36-22 season and returns seven starters. South Alabama have won only one game this year, but they recently thrashed No. 16 Auburn 17-3. And St. John’s hasn’t played yet, but Big East coaches predicted it would finish fifth in the conference.

NU will need another strong showing from its lead-off hitter, second baseman Eric Roeder. The scrappy table setter earned Big Ten Player of the Week honors for his three hits last weekend. He’s looking to improve on last year, when he hit .263 and led the team with 10 stolen bases.

Still, Roeder said he isn’t sure whether he can keep up his .600 batting average.

“Once you get a hit, it kind of rolls from there,” he said.

— Brian Sumers

NU (2-0) at Coca Cola Classic

Friday through Sunday

Mobile, Ala.