TAHLEQUAH -- Northeastern State's bats were limited to three hits as they dropped the series opener 9-0 to Central Oklahoma Friday afternoon.
The RiverHawks left seven on-base matched their season-low hit total for a game falling to 24-14 (21-10 MIAA).
Central (22-16, 16-12 MIAA) struck first in the opening frame after they led off the game with a first-pitch single. The Bronchos would strike with three runs scoring the final one on a delayed steal to home plate, while the NSU infield would catch a UCO runner in a pickle heading to second base.
After four scoreless innings, the Bronchos opened the frame with a solo homer on a 0-2 pitch to left-center to extend their lead. In the eighth, UCO scored five runs with two outs on the scoreboard.
Nic Swanson (9-1) suffered his first loss of the season and pitched into the sixth inning, striking out five batters.