JOPLIN, Mo. – Dakota Woods provided the RiverHawks with a season high three doubles but Missouri Southern hit four home runs to win 21-7 on Saturday in seven innings.

Woods' three doubles was the most of an NSU player since Michael Rhea had that same number last season on April 22, 2016. 

Despite the final score, NSU took leads in the first two innings and was ahead 6-5 on the Lions heading into the home half of the frame.  Missouri Southern sent 13 batters to the plate and hung a crooked eight spot on the scoreboard to lead 13-6 on the RiverHawks.

Northeastern State (21-25, 14-20 MIAA) could never recover and the Lions scored eight more runs in the next three innings.   Dakota Morse plated NSU's seventh run in the fifth on a single to left field.

NSU's pitching staff allowed a season high 22 hits to the Lions (26-23, 18-17 MIAA) with Nolan Sturgeon (4-4) being charged for the loss; Woods finished the day going 3-for-4 with three RBI.

Entering the weekend, the RiverHawks needed to sweep, and a series of events to happen in the MIAA in order to make the postseason.  A loss on Saturday, officially ended those hopes and they will look to try to end the season with series win on Sunday at noon against the Lions.