EDMOND, OKLA---- Northeastern State Michael Rhea singled home the go ahead runs in the eighth innings as the RiverHawks knocked off #18 Central Oklahoma 7-4 in MIAA conference action at Wendell Simmons Field here Wednesday.

NSU moves to 25-18 and 16-14 in conference play.

The RiverHawks and starting pitcher Jonathan Smithey got off to a rough start.  UCO plated three of the four runs and collected two of its four hits in the game all in the opening frame.

Northeastern State chipped away at the deficit starting in the second inning.  Colten Wright doubled and scored on an Alex Massie single to trail 3-1 after two innings.

Rhea led off the RiverHawks fifth innings with a double, moved to third and scored on a wild pitch cutting the UCO lead down to 3-2. The RiverHawks tied the game in the sixth inning, as Zach Henderson led off the frame with a walk and scored on a Wright single to right field.

After throwing five consecutive scoreless innings, Smithey gave up a single and hit a batter that spelled the end to his afternoon.  Brayden Boyd came on in relief; a wild pitch and walk put UCO back in front 4-3. Smithey was charged with four runs but gave up just four hits and struck out five in 6.1 innings. 

It did not take long for the RiverHawks to respond, back to back doubles from Tristan Ridenour and Jaxon Phipps tied the game at 4-4.  A walk by Wright and Massie's single loaded the bases.  Rhea followed with a single up the middle to plate two giving the RiverHawks 6-4 lead.

NSU added an insurance run in the ninth inning as Phipps collected his second RBI of the day on a single giving the RiverHawks the 7-4 victory.

Boyd went the final 2.2 innings without surrendering a hit or run while striking out five.

The victory keeps the RiverHawks in the hunt for a berth in the MIAA conference tournament and will make the final road trip this weekend a must win.  NSU will take on Emporia State in a three game series starting on Friday evening.