The Milwaukee Brewers usually feast on the Pittsburgh Pirates at Miller Park, and Monday was no different-the Brewers scored 17 runs against the Pirates. Northwestern is hoping some of that offense remains in the stadium for its doubleheader today against Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
The Wildcats (15-23) will face the Panthers (17-17) at 4 p.m., following the conclusion of the Brewers game against the Pirates. The contest marks the third time the Cats have played in an MLB ballpark in the past two years.
NU comes into the game riding a wave of momentum, having won three straight conference series. The Cats recent run has vaulted them into a four-way tie for first place in the Big Ten.
“We’re playing really well lately,” sophomore Zach Morton said. “Everyone’s getting involved, coming together as a group, staying upbeat. We’re really confident right now.”
Morton has good reason to be confident. The infielder, who is hitting .352, compiled three hits and scored four runs in NU’s last two games.
Senior Chad Noble is also swinging the bat well lately. The catcher is batting almost .400 and Monday he was added to the watch list for the 2010 Johnny Bench Award, which honors the nation’s top catcher. Sophomore Paul Snieder has continued his tear at the plate as well, carrying a .382 batting average into the Milwaukee game. NU is looking to continue its hot hitting Wednesday.
“It depends if people are getting their hits,” Snieder said. “And lately we’ve gotten them.”
The pitching staff has been doing its part to lift the Cats, as NU’s hurlers have lowered their collective ERA nearly a point over the past three weeks. The Cats are holding Big Ten opponents to a conference-low .278 batting average.
“Our offense has been producing very well the last couple weeks and that has helped pitchers tremendously on the mound,” junior Steve Sanders said. “The confidence level is high right now, and each day we go out there expecting to be in a position to win the game.”
The Cats will need their pitchers to step up against the potent Panthers, who boast a .332 team average and have two regulars hitting above .400.
The Milwaukee offense may seem intimidating, but Morton is confident NU can match the firepower.
“We have a really balanced lineup,” he said. “We’re finding our stroke at the plate.”[email protected]
