TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- Northeastern State belted three home runs, but Emporia State scored 11 runs in the first three innings en route to an 18-8 win Thursday evening at Thomas C. Rousey Field.

The RiverHawks used eight pitchers in the series opener and dropped to 12-29 overall and 9-18 in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) play.

Mason Ruiz, Xavier Sanchez and Gage Williams each homered for NSU. Williams notched his 10th multi-hit game of the season, going 3-for-5, while Colton Ayres came off the bench to collect two hits.

NSU hitters struck out 13 times, while five Hornets recorded multi-hit performances.

Emporia State improved to 19-19 overall and 12-15 in the MIAA.

Due to weather, the series will conclude with a doubleheader Friday beginning at noon.