Box Score

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Northeastern State baseball team suffered its first run-rule loss of the season, dropping a 12-1 contest to Southwest Baptist Sunday afternoon at Rousey Field.
 
The RiverHawks (8-4, 4-3 MIAA) still lead the series two games to one, but the Bearcats (4-8, 1-6 MIAA) were able to pick up their first conference victory of the season.
 
NSU got on the board first in the bottom of the opening frame when sophomore Bryce Davenport found his way home following a throwing error. That would be the only run of the contest for the home team.
 
SBU used three home runs to take control of the game. Zach Pirrello hit a two-run blast in the third inning, and Spencer Blacksher's second long ball of the series helped give the Bearcats a 4-1 edge after four frames. Jake Vore blasted a two-run homer in the sixth to push SBU's lead to 6-1, and the visitors added six more runs in the top of the seventh to earn the run-rule victory.
 
Michael Proiette (2-0) threw a complete-game gem for Southwest Baptist, allowing just three hits and one unearned run along with nine strikeouts.
 
Vore finished 2-for-2 with three RBI and three runs scored. Ross Wolfe was 2-for-2 with one RBI and two runs scored.
 
NSU sophomore starter Zack Hammock (0-1) lasted just 3.1 innings. He struck out four but conceded four runs on five hits. Senior Clay Debban threw the next 3.0 innings of relief, giving up seven runs on just four hits. Sophomore Zach Poehl also gave up an unearned run while recording the final two outs.
 
SBU outhit NSU 9-3 and both teams committed one error.
 
The series finale will begin at 11:30 a.m. March 9 at Rousey Field.
 
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