NIU pitcher drafted by Dodgers

Northern Illinois left-handed pitcher Jake Hermsen was taken in the 28th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. Hermsen, the first Huskie baseball player drafted since 2008, was the 866th overall pick.

Hermsen, originally from New London, Wis., finished the 2012 season with a 3-8 record and 5.13 earned run average. He struck out 66 batters in 86 innings pitched, leading the team in both categories. Over four years, he went 8-12 with a 6.89 ERA.

Hermsen also doubled as an outfielder during his first three years at NIU. He finished his hitting career with a .194 batting average and four home runs.