TAHLEQUAH – Northeastern State has found new life and is riding a four-game winning streak after completing a series sweep over Fort Hays State on Friday afternoon.   The RiverHawks took the games 12-3 and 11-1 at Thomas C. Rousey Field. 

The conference sweep is the first this season for NSU as their record will improve to 7-21 overall and 5-10 in the MIAA.

Northeastern State got off to a hot start in the opener with an eight-run first inning.  The RiverHawks sent ten batters to the plate with five hits during the frame.  Alex Massie had a two-RBI single with both Zack Henderson and Blake Freeman hitting three-run homers. 

NSU never trailed the contest and with Dustin Berrong going the first 4 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts.  Brayden Boyd (1-0) came in relief and tossed 4 1/3 clean innings with six strikeouts.  

Fort Hays State (2-21, 2-13 MIAA) would out-hit NSU 9-to-8 in the opener.   Colton Burgess went 2-for-4 at the plate with two RBI.  

In the nightcap, NSU scored a run in the final six innings to run-rule the Tigers in seven.  

Burgess homered twice for the RiverHawks and went 4-for-4 at the plate with four RBI.  Erick Espinosa had a three-RBI game and was 2-for-4 at the plate.

With the run-support, NSU's pitching staff tossed a two-hitter on the Tigers.  James Cowell (1-1) had a no-hitter into the fifth with only one run charged.  Nolan Sturgeon and Trevor Smith both threw a clean frame out of the bullpen.

Northeastern State will return the field for a non-conference tilt against Arkansas-Fort Smith on March 26.