TAHLEQUAH --
Matt Kaiser and
Korben Ford each finished with two base hits, but Northeastern State could only translate a nine-hit performance into a single run of offense across the night against #8 Missouri Southern in a 5-1 setback at Rousey Field.
After both sides failed to find a scoring play in the first four innings, the Lions broke the ice with two crossing home plate in the top of the fifth.
Isaiah Keller cut the multi-run lead in half with a deep drive to right field that narrowly failed to clear the outfield wall, still bringing home
Drew Miller on an RBI double.
The RiverHawks would be held off the board the rest of the way, while the Lions found extra breathing room through three more scores across the rest of the night.
CJ Briley went 6.1 innings and struck out five batters, while only one of the five runs against him was earned.
Kyle Duffey had a three-strikeout effort the rest of the way in relief of the Friday starter.
Seven different players registered base hits for the RiverHawks, who drop to 19-21 overall and 10-15 in league action with the loss. The Lions picked up their 31st win of the year against just ten losses, while the MIAA mark improves to 18-7.
Game two begins tomorrow at Rousey Field at 6 p.m.
