TAHLEQUAH – Northeastern State baseball opens the 2021 campaign with a doubleheader at Southern Nazarene Tuesday. The RiverHawks and Crimson Storm last met in 2000 and had both of their scheduled games canceled last season. NSU leads the series 2-0.
 
THE SCHEDULE
Monday, Feb. 8 at Southern Nazarene, 7-inning, 11 a.m.
Monday, Feb. 8 at Southern Nazarene, 9-inning, 1:30 p.m.
 
THE LEAD OFF

1. NSU returns 23 of its student-athletes from the 9-12 roster that had their season cut short just as conference play got underway. Of those returning are starting outfielders left-to-right Chaz Orr, Reid Fehr, and Blake Freeman. The group had a .411 on-base percentage. Freeman led the team, hitting .385 and was seventh in the MIAA with 29 base knocks.
2. On the mound, newcomer T.J. Mullins and Jonathan Smithey are expected to start. Mullins is a transfer from Dallas Baptist. Smithey, a four-year player, pitched to a 3.38 ERA a season ago and has a 4.54 career mark. NSU returns 86 percent of its innings from a season ago in which the staff had a 5.11 earned run average.
3. The RiverHawk last opened the season with a doubleheader in 2019 playing at St. Edwards (Texas).
4. Head coach Jake Hendrick begins his sixth year at the program's helm and has amassed 98 wins.

 
ABOUT THE CRIMSON STORM

• Was 6-17 when the season was canceled. They were swept by Northwestern Oklahoma while the RiverHawks won both games over the Rangers in 2020.
• Are led by second-year coach Grant Ledbetter.
• Had a 10.17 staff ERA last year, and its hitters reached base at a .367 clip.

 
SUPER SENIORS

• The entire RiverHawks roster received an additional year of eligibility. NSU has three 2020 seniors taking advantage of the opportunity to continue their collegiate careers; third baseman Jaxon Phipps, first baseman Michael Conn and center fielder Fehr.

 
UP NEXT

• The RiverHawks will visit Northwestern Oklahoma in Alva for a non-conference doubleheader Friday, and the first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.