TAHLEQUAH, Okla.. -- Northeastern State's Colton Burgess hit his first home run of the year and Dustin Berrong struck out 10 but it was not enough as Wayne State took game one 8-2 at a chilly Rousey Field here Friday afternoon.

Wayne State spoiled the 2019 home debut for Berrong, jumping on the RiverHawks ace in the opening frame.  The Wildcats pushed across four runs, had two hits and took advantage of a NSU error to lead 4-0.  A lead off home run to open the second inning increased the Wildcats lead to 5-0.

After allowing the leadoff home run in the second inning, Berrong would strike out eight of the next 11 batters going four innings.

Burgess put the RiverHawks on the board in the fourth inning, belting his first home run of the year to cut the Wildcat lead to 5-1.  NSU looked to add more runs in the fourth inning, Colton Wright and Marshall McPherson walked and Alex Massie's double loaded the bases.  Wayne State ended the threat as Wright was caught stealing home to end the frame.

Northeastern State added another run in the fifth inning, Connor West drew a lead off walk and would score on a wild pitch later in the frame to cut the Wildcat lead to 5-2.

Wayne State added a run in each of the final three innings to take the opener 8-2.

NSU falls to 0-4 to open the 2019 season, Berrong took the loss and is now 0-2 on the young season. Wayne State is 1-0 after the victory.

The two teams will meet at Rousey Field on Saturday to conclude the series.  Game one is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m.