TAHLEQUAH – Northeastern State continued their hit parade on Saturday and run-ruled Nebraska-Kearney twice in five innings to bring their winning streak up to seven games. The RiverHawks (12-8, 4-0 MIAA) belted out nine runs in the opener and ten in the nightcap while holding the Lopers (4-17, 0-4 MIAA) to a run in both contests.
The seven game win streak by NSU is the team's longest since the first month of the 2015 season. Additionally the 4-0 start for the RiverHawks in MIAA play is first since joining the conference in 2013, and the first since 2007 when Northeastern State was a member of the Lone Star Conference.
Northeastern State's bats this last weekend knocked in runs in 14 consecutive innings and out-hit opposing teams 35-to-14.
In the opener, the RiverHawks busted out of the gates with a pair of runs in the opening frame, and added four more in the second.
Kelsey Harmon would plate in three during that span with a ground out RBI and a double to center to score a pair.
Kyla Ibarra brought home the remaining runs with two-run homer to left in the third, and a sac fly a frame later.
NSU freshman starter
Gail Young (6-3) won her third straight start and limited the Lopers to three hits.
The RiverHawks in the back half of the doubleheader plated three runs in the first three frames on UNK.
Jessica Boone hit a bases clearing single in the opening inning and
Kaleigh Hinkle crushed a no-doubt homer in the third to plate three runs.
Haley Acrey was NSU's tenth run and belted a homer on the first pitch in the fourth inning.
Sydney Balderrama (6-3) tossed a complete game and was credited with win in her fourth straight start.
Acrey had a hot bat for the RiverHawks in both games against the Lopers going 2-for-3 twice at the plate with a double and home run.
Paige Gann went had hits in all three at-bats in the opener against UNK and followed up with a RBI double in the nightcap.
Northeastern State will remain at home to host Tarleton State on Tuesday in non-conference play; first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
