Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Faces Stiff Test in Tampa
2/28/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 28, 2008
NU Game Notes vs. Oklahoma State and South Florida 
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Northwestern faces a stiff test as it attempts to follow up on a solid start to its season as it travels to Tampa, Fla., this weekend. The Wildcats are set to face perennial national power Oklahoma State twice as well as host South Florida once.
NU faces the Cowboys at 6 p.m. Central time Friday before taking on the Bulls at 6 p.m. Saturday. Northwestern wraps up its weekend with a second contest against OSU at 11 a.m. Sunday.
This will be the first meeting between Northwestern and Oklahoma State, while South Florida leads the all-time series with the Wildcats 4-1. The Bulls won two of three meetings during a season-opening series Feb. 10-12, 2006.
Live stats (free) and streaming video (charge) will be available at gousfbulls.com while audio of the games with the Cowboys will be available for a charge at okstate.com.
Last Time Out
The 'Cats got their 2008 season off on the right foot last weekend, taking two of three games at Cal State Northridge. Northwestern rode the strength a nine-run third inning in its opener to defeat the Matadors 13-7. Senior Mike Kalina went 3-for-6 at the plate, finishing a double shy of the cycle while driving in four runs. Freshman Eric Jokisch put forth a solid performance in his collegiate debut Saturday, tossing the first six innings while allowing just two hits and two unearned runs while fanning six. Through the first five innings, the southpaw surrendered only one hit and two walks. Classmate Nate Roberts' RBI single in the top of the ninth inning broke a 2-2 tie. Northwestern wasn't as fortunate in the series finale as it let a five-run lead early and a three-run lead late slip away in a 17-9 defeat. Kalina and Roberts drove in three runs apiece.
Kalina Named Big Ten Player of the Week
Northwestern senior outfielder Mike Kalina was named the Big Ten Player of the Week following his performance against Cal State Northridge. It is the first such honor of his career. The Munster, Ind., native hit .500 (7-14) for the Wildcats with three multi-hit games while driving in eight. He scored and drove in at least one run in each contest while posting a .929 slugging percentage. It is the sixth consecutive season that a NU individual has won the first Big Ten Player of the Week honors of the season.
Instant Impact
Northwestern had a number of freshmen step in and immediately contribute to the lineup during the opening weekend of play. Chris Lashmet started all three games at third baseman, while southpaw Eric Jokisch started Saturday's contest and didn't allow an earned run and just two hits to go along with six strikeouts in six innings of work. Nate Roberts started all three contests in right field and had a solid weekend, tying for the team lead with a .500 batting average (5-10) as well as four RBI, including the game-winner in the top of the ninth in Saturday's victory.
Scouting Oklahoma State
• The Cowboys started their season with four home wins over Gonzaga last weekend. Second baseman Tyrone Hambly was named the Big 12 Player of the Week after batting .500 with two homers and five RBI.
• Oklahoma State was picked fifth in the 2008 Big 12 Preseason Coaches' Poll. OSU is ranked 21st by Baseball America, 24th in the NCBWA poll and No. 25 by Collegiate Baseball.
• The Cowboys were eliminated by Louisville, Northwestern's next opponent, in a Super Regional last season.
Scouting South Florida
• The Bulls have been picked to finish third in the Big East this season after going 34-26 overall and 13-14 in conference play last season.
• USF is 2-1 after opening its season at home against Indiana State last weekend. Junior shortstop Addison Maruszak led the team in batting with a .538 average.
Up Next...
Things don't get any easier for Northwestern next weekend as they travel to face 2007 College World Series participant Louisville in a three-game series.
