TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Northeastern State baseball team dropped a 13-9 decision to Missouri Western State Friday afternoon at Rousey Field.
 
The loss ensured the RiverHawks (14-11, 8-7 MIAA) would lose the series to the Griffons (18-8, 10-5 MIAA), who improved to 10-0 all-time against NSU.
 
Senior Eric Kirkpatrick finished 4-for-4 at the plate with five RBI, two runs scored and two home runs. Fellow senior Shane Bridges was 2-for-3 with an RBI and three runs scored, and junior Dakota Woods also had a pair of hits.
 
Missouri Western State outhit NSU 15-12 and was led by three each from Orencio Fisher, Jeremy Alvarado and Kody Matthews. MWSU's top hitter, Cosimo Cannella, was blanked on the day as he finished 0-for-4. Fisher tallied three RBI and two runs scored, and Nick Gawley scored three times.
 
Junior starting pitcher Bobby Sehgal picked up a no-decision after lasting 4.1 innings on the mound. He conceded five runs on seven hits, while striking out five and walking two. Junior Thomas Murray (0-2) suffered the loss after he could only record just one out in a relief appearance. He gave up five runs on three hits, and he also walked five Griffons. Junior Zack Hammock gave up two runs on three hits, and senior Jake Kern was finally able to settle down the visitors as he gave up just one unearned run in the final 3.0 innings.
 
Jared Lloyd started for Missouri Western State and lasted just 2.0 innings. He gave up four runs on two hits, but he also walked six. Conner Schwienebart (1-4) earned the win after allowing four runs across the next 5.0 frames. He gave up nine hits but was also able to strike out five and walk two.
 
NSU and MWSU will meet at noon March 26 in the series finale as the RiverHawks attempt to salvage a victory over the Griffons.
 
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