MARYVILLE, Mo. – The Northeastern State baseball team lost 5-4 to Northwest Missouri State in the MIAA opener for both programs Friday afternoon at Bearcat Field.
 
Both the RiverHawks and Bearcats now have identical 6-4 records, but NWMSU has the early advantage in conference play.
 
Northeastern State had just three hits in the contest, with two coming off the bat of senior Charles Sims. He also registered one run batted in and one run scored.
 
Junior Jeremy Mansur left with the win intact after throwing the first 7.0 innings. He conceded three runs (two earned) on seven hits. Junior Thomas Murray, the MIAA's leading closer with four saves this season, registered his first blown save of the year after giving up two runs on two hits in 1.1 frames. He also hit two batters and issued two walks.
 
Northwest Missouri State had nine hits, with two each coming from Ozzie Adams, Derek Meyer and Kolby Greenslade. Nick Gotta finished with two RBI despite going 0-for-2 at the dish. Garrett Fort was just 1-for-5 but scored twice.
 
Joseph Hietpas finished 7.0 frames on the mound with just two runs allowed (one earned) on two hits. He struck out eight and walked two. Nikko Pablo gave up two runs on just one hit, while only recording two outs. Bryce Shea (1-0) settled things down for the home team to pick up the win after throwing the final 1.1 frames.
 
The two teams will continue their series at 2 p.m. Feb. 27.
 
-GoRiverHawksGo.com-