Box Score

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Northeastern State baseball team lost 10-8 to Emporia State in the series finale between the two clubs Sunday afternoon at Rousey Field.
 
The RiverHawks fell to 13-9 on the season and 8-8 in the MIAA, while the Hornets won the series to improve to 15-6 overall and 9-6 in the conference.
 
NSU outhit ESU 17-13 in the finale and held a 6-0 lead after four innings, but the high-powered offense from the visitors would eventually overcome the home team late in the contest.
 
Seven different RiverHawks finished with multiple hits, including three each from sophomore Bryce Davenport and junior Charles Sims. Juniors Gabriel Wurth and Shane Bridges finished with two RBI each, and Sims and senior Jorge Ozuna both scored twice.
 
Sophomore Gabe Coldwell started on the mound and took a no-decision. He lasted 4.2 innings and conceded three unearned runs on seven hits. Senior Hayden Walch gave up three runs (one earned) on two hits over the course of the next 2.0 frames, and sophomore Dustin Berrong threw the next 0.2 frames. Zack Hammock (0-3) faced two batters in the eighth and they both reached base, saddling the sophomore with the loss. Junior Jake Kern tossed the final 1.2 innings and gave up one run on one hit, including the game-winning home run.
 
Wade Hanna led the Hornets at the plate with a 3-for-5 day. He had five runs batted in, which included the game-winning home run in the top of the eighth. Justin Harris also finished 3-for-5, and he stole three bases for the second-straight game. Dean Long, one of the nation's premier power hitters and the top hitter for the Hornets, saw his batting average plummet as he went just 2-for-14 (.143) in the four-game series.
 
Matt Hinkley (1-0) earned the win on the mound for ESU. He threw 0.2 innings and gave up just one hit in relief. Shawn Talkington pitched a perfect final two frames to pick up his first save. Starter Jake Eikleberry was tagged with six runs on 12 hits in the first 3.2 innings. Tevin Renken tossed the next 2.2 frames and gave up two runs on four hits.
 
The RiverHawks will now step out of conference for a midweek road battle against Southeastern Oklahoma State at 1 p.m. March 24 in Durant, Okla.
 
NORTHEASTERN STATE COACH TRAVIS JANSSEN
Statement…
"We're always disappointed when we lose a series. You have to give Emporia State a lot of credit. There's a reason why they have one of the best traditions in all of Division II baseball. They know how to play and they know how to win. They were a little bit better than us today."
 
On the positives for Northeastern State…
"We had a lot of positives this weekend, and it's sometimes hard to see when you lose. Our starting pitching was very good in three of the four games. (Emporia State) has a lethal offense, but we outhit them 17-13 in this game. There's a lot of bright spots for us, we just have to keep building and moving forward."
 
On ESU's offense…
"They have about five guys that are really scary. They can run the bases and they can hit. They have a very well-rounded offense. They're tough to pitch to, and they do a good job with two strikes. They're well-coached. They have physical players who can hit the ball, and they are great at running the bases."
 
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