ATHENS, Ohio (Interstat) — The Ohio Bobcats stormed back from an early seven-run deficit to defeat the Northern Illinois Huskies 14-7 in a Mid-American Conference opener Friday evening at Bob Wren Stadium.

Northern Illinois (7-5) built a 7-0 lead in the third inning behind a two-run homer from Gavin Baldwin and a two-run double from Caden Robertson. Ohio (3-11) answered with four runs in the bottom of the frame, highlighted by a two-run homer from Cameron Boyd.

The Bobcats seized control with a six-run sixth inning, taking a 10-7 lead. Boyd added a two-run homer and an RBI single, finishing with four RBIs. Dylan Shepherd also drove in three runs for Ohio. Robertson homered late for the Huskies, finishing with four RBIs.

Ohio reliever Mason Gass earned the win with 4 1/3 strong innings, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out six.