DURANT – The RiverHawks scored two runs in the top of the ninth, but they were unable to complete the comeback, as they fell to Southeastern Oklahoma 3-2 on Friday in their season opener.

THE BASICS
Score: Northeastern State 2, Southeastern Oklahoma 3
Records: Northeastern State 0-1, Southeastern Oklahoma 3-2
Pitcher of Record: Jonathan Smithey (0-1)

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Savage Storm got on the board in the bottom of the second inning when Colton Buckner hit a solo home run to left field. Richard Ware would hit a solo shot in the fourth to extend the lead.

The RiverHawks didn't record a hit until the fifth inning when Chaz Orr singled to left field. He would quickly be retired as the front part of a double play.

Southeastern added to their lead in the bottom of the eighth when Chris Eusay hit a two-out single to right field then stole second. After Richard Ware drew a walk, Slayde Ortiz doubled to center field to score Essuay and move Ware to third. NSU's Seth Key was able to get Grant Bruce to hit a ground ball to end the inning.

The RiverHawks rallied in the ninth, as Collin Klingensmith drew a one-out walk, setting up Blake Freeman, who blasted a two-run homer to right field to bring NSU to within one run. After Chaz Orr flew out, Wes O'Neill singled through the right side. He advanced to second when Dylan Hight singled to right field. After the Savage Storm made a pitching change, Nic Swanson hit into a fielder's choice to end the game.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Jonathan Smithey threw six innings for NSU, allowing three hits and recording five strikeouts. Cohen Bell threw one scoreless inning for the RiverHawks, allowing two hits and recording one strikeout.
- Freeman led the RiverHawks offense, going 1-4 with two runs batted in.
- Hits were even at seven, with seven different RiverHawks recording hits.

Up Next:
The RiverHawks and Savage Storm will be back at it on Saturday for a doubleheader. First pitch for game one is scheduled for Noon, with game two following shortly thereafter.