The UNI baseball team awaits the return of its top pitcher as the Panthers get set for a weekend non-conference series against North Dakota State. UNI opened a 12 game homestand on Tuesday with a loss to Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Coach Rick Heller says it will be nice to spend nearly two weeks at home as they’ve been on the road away from home and not sleeping in their own beds early in the seasno.
Panther ace Jeff Hille has made only three starts this season after waking up with a shoulder problem. Heller says Hille has a problem with his rotater, but it’s not torn and they hope to get him back.
Heller says a strong number-one pitcher always give you a chance in the first game of a conference series. He says they’re fortunate to have some depth and talent, but he says it’s nice to have the ace to go to. UNI is 12-12.