BOLIVAR, Mo. -- Northeastern State dropped the final game of the series against Southwest Baptist 11-8 in MIAA conference action at Dodson Field here Saturday.
The RiverHawks fall to 17-13 and 8-9 in conference play, the Bearcats improve to 12-19 and 6-13.
Northeastern State did not do itself any favors this afternoon.  Allowing Southwest Baptist to plate six first inning runs and two more in the second inning for an 8-0 Bearcat advantage.
NSU started to chip away at the lead in the third inning,
Zack Henderson's third home run of the year; a three run shot cut the deficit to 8-3. Â
Colton Wright collected the first of his three RBI's later in the frame to trail 8-4 after three innings.
Michael Rhea's solo home run in the fourth pulled the RiverHawks to within 8-5 and Wright's two-run homer in the fifth cut the SBU lead to 8-7 after five innings.
The Bearcats thwarted the rally with two runs in sixth and one more in the eighth to clinch the series with an 11-8 victory.
NSU starter
Jonathan Smithey lasted only a third of an inning giving up six runs on just three hits and walking three. Â
James Cowell went five inning in relief, giving up four runs on nine hits. Â
Brayden Boyd pitched two innings, striking out three.
Northeastern State's next action will be on April 3, as it travels to Pittsburg State. First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m.
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