Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Northeastern State baseball team fell twice to Missouri Western State University Friday night at Griffon Baseball Field.
 
The RiverHawks (11-9, 11-9 MIAA) dropped the seven-inning contest 15-2, while the Griffons (14-3, 9-0 MIAA) were able to come from behind and take the nine-inning game 6-5.
 
MWSU 15, NSU 2 (box score)
Senior Chad Davidson and junior Kyle Singleton combined for four of NSU's 10 hits, but the RiverHawks were outgunned by MWSU's 18 hits and 15 runs.
 
The Griffons plated three in the first, six in the third, four in the fourth and two in the fifth. NSU was only able to counter with a pair of runs in the second and third frames.
 
Senior Trent Wilkins and sophomore Preston Cash each recorded an RBI, while Davidson and junior Cody Robinson scored the two runs.
 
Senior Craig George (3-2) lasted only 3.0 innings on the mound. He allowed nine runs on 10 hits. Sophomore Brooks Deatherage threw the next 2.2 frames, giving up six runs on eight hits.
 
Kyle Simpson paced the home team with a 4-for-5 performance. He recorded four RBI and scored four runs. Grant Fink was 2-for-2 with four runs batted in.
 
Brandon Simmons (4-0) threw a complete game for the Griffons. He allowed two runs on 10 hits, while striking out five and walking one.
 
MWSU 6, NSU 5 (box score)
Sophomore Kyle Shambaugh stifled the powerful Griffon offense for six innings, but NSU's relievers squandered his performance by allowing the home team to take the lead in the final innings.
 
Northeastern State found itself leading 5-2 after taking its turn at bat in the sixth. Shambaugh gave way to junior Addison Williams and senior Frank Sprick, who combined to allow the game-tying and game-winning runs in the final two innings.
 
Shambaugh allowed just four runs (three earned) on four hits, but he took a no-decision in the contest. Sprick was saddled with the loss and fell to 2-1 on the year.
 
Senior Kegan Knight, Robinson and junior Ryan Staggs all had two hits. Staggs drove home three and Wilkins scored twice.
 
Northeastern State outhit Missouri Western State 10-8, and the Griffons committed four errors to just one from NSU.
 
Ethan Ward threw the first six innings for MWSU, and he allowed five runs on 10 hits. Logan Hollingsworth (3-0) sat down all eight batters he faced in a dominant relief effort, and he earned the victory.
 
Michael Schulze and Jimmy Smelcer both scored twice for the home team. Schulze and Shawn Egge were both 2-for-4.

The series finale will be at 1 p.m. March 16.

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