TAHLEQUAH, OKLA--- Northeastern State's Zach Henderson belted his sixth home run of the year and Erick Espinosa had six hits as the RiverHawks dropped a pair to the University of Nebraska-Kearney in MIAA action at Rousey Field here Friday.  The Lopers rallied in the ninth to take the opener 12-9 and took the nightcap 9-0.

The RiverHawks fall to 23-18 and 14-14 in conference play.

The Lopers took advantage of the RiverHawks bullpen in the ninth inning.  NSU starter Dustin Berrong gave a stellar performance going seven strong innings, striking out nine. 

The first three batters for the RiverHawks reached base in the first innings and Tristan Ridenour's double plated two runs for a 2-0 lead after one inning.  The Loper's took the lead with four runs in the second inning to lead 4-2. 

The Loper's held the lead until the fifth inning, Espinosa led off the frame with a triple and Henderson's blast tied the game at 4-4.  Northeastern State continued the offensive attack in the sixth.  Singles from Michael Rhea, Oscar Resendez Jr. and Espinosa plated three more runs for a 7-4 NSU lead.

Zane Takhar added to the RiverHawks lead in the seventh inning as his single pushed the lead to 8-4.

Trevor Nance took over the pitching duties in the eighth inning for the RiverHawks.  The Loper's used a three-run blast to pull with one at 8-7.  NSU would get one back in the eighth to lead 9-7 heading to the ninth inning.

The Loper's rallied with three home runs to plate five in the inning and win 12-9. 

In the nightcap, the RiverHawks had no answer for Nebraska-Kearney starting pitcher Josh Cooper.  Cooper threw the complete game shutout, allowing just two hits and striking out nine.

Takhar and Espinosa collected the only hits for the RiverHawks.

The final game of the series will be played at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday.