TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Northeastern State baseball team earned a non-conference doubleheader split with Pittsburg State Friday afternoon at Rousey Field.
 
The RiverHawks (2-1) won the first game 18-4, while the Gorillas (3-3) secured the second game 7-5.
 
Junior Cody Begovich had a monster first game at the plate, as he was 3-for-3 with seven runs batted in and three runs scored. He hit a three-run home run in the fifth. Junior Eric Kirkpatrick also blasted his first home run as a member of the RiverHawks in the second game, and he tallied a 4-for-8 day at the plate with three RBI and three runs scored.
 
The two teams will now move the series to Pittsburg, Kansas, for a doubleheader beginning at noon Feb. 14.
 
NORTHEASTERN STATE 18, PITTSBURG STATE 4 (box score)
Andrew Kreiling blasted a solo home run in the top of the first inning to put Pitt State on top, but that would be the lone highlight of the series opener for the visitors. Northeastern State pumped in three runs in the first, four in the third, six in the fourth and five in the fifth to blow past the Gorillas. PSU managed a single run in the fourth and added two in the final frame before the book was finally closed on the first game.
 
On top of Begovich's monster outing, junior Gabriel Wurth was 4-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored. Senior Preston Cash was 3-for-4 with two RBI and three runs scored, and sophomore Caleb Hill and senior Jorge Ozuna both had two hits.
 
The RiverHawks outhit the Gorillas 19-7 and Pitt State had four errors.
 
Sophomore Ryan Helsley (1-0) earned the victory on the mound after conceding just two runs (one earned) on five hits in 5.0 innings. He also struck out eight and walked just two.  Freshman Benjamin Stapp threw the final two frames.
 
Derek Hackney and Jordan Rice were both 2-for-3 to lead PSU's offense. Blaine Fisher (1-1) took the loss after allowing 11 runs (10 earned) on 10 hits across just 3.0 innings. Kyle Sellers threw the next 1.2 frames and allowed seven runs (three earned) on eight hits. Blake Vail did not give up a run in the final 1.1 innings.
 
PITTSBURG STATE 7, NORTHEASTERN STATE 5 (box score)
Pittsburg State went ahead 6-0 after three innings, and the Gorillas were able to hold off a furious NSU comeback to secure the series split. The RiverHawks were able to plate two in the bottom of the ninth and were also able to load the bases, but Wurth struck out swinging to end the game.
 
Kirkpatrick led Northeastern State with a 3-for-5 effort, while junior Bryce Davenport and Hill both had two hits.
 
Senior Waylon Davis (0-1) suffered the loss after giving up six runs (three earned) on seven hits in the first 3.0 innings. Sophomore Zack Hammock went the next 3.2 frames and did not give up a run. Senior Clay Debban gave up one run in 1.2 innings, and freshman Jake Kern recorded the final two outs.
 
Drake Herrman (1-0) pitched 3.1 innings of relief and picked up the win after starter Jake Stevenson did not pitch the minimum number of innings. He lasted 3.2 frames and gave up three runs on seven hits. Herrman only allowed a pair of hits and struck out three.
 
The Gorillas outhit NSU 15-12 and both teams committed two errors.
 
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