TAHLEQUAH – Jonathan Smithey struck out ten batters in the nightcap as the RiverHawks fell twice on Thursday afternoon to Missouri Western.  The Griffons took the opener 10-8 and a pitching duel 3-1.  

Originally scheduled as a road series for the RiverHawks but snow in St. Joseph, Mo. forced the series to be played at Thomas C. Rousey Field.  

With the losses on Thursday, NSU has dropped it's last eight and have fallen to 2-18, 1-7 this season.  

Smithey (0-1) highlighted the NSU pitching staff after going 6 1/3 innings in game two while scattering seven hits and two runs in his fourth start. 

The NSU sophomore would have the tough luck day with Missouri Western grabbing a run in the final two innings.  

Northeastern State was limited to five hits with Blake Freeman having a 2-for-4 game.

In the opener, the RiverHawks got homers from Alex Massie, Wes O'Neill, and Jaxon Phipps.   Despite the offensive output, Northeastern State could not dig themselves out of a 5-0 deficit that the Griffons made in opening two innings. 

Northeastern State would make things interesting at the end with a four-run ninth inning.  Massie hit a three-run homer with two outs to at least get the tying run on-deck.  However, after a Missouri Western pitching change, the RiverHawks grounded out to end the game. 

Massie had three hits in his five at-bats. Colton Burgess drew four of the RiverHawks' nine walks. 

Missouri Western goes to 9-6, 7-1 MIAA with the two wins over NSU

The RiverHawks will close out the series with Missouri Western on Friday at 1 p.m.