EDMOND, Okla. – Northeastern State took control early and defeated No. 30 Central Oklahoma 10-3 on Tuesday afternoon at Wendell Simmons Field.
The win prevented a season sweep by UCO and marked the RiverHawks' second victory over a ranked opponent in the last two weeks.
Gage Williams hit an RBI double and a home run as part of a 10-run first inning for the RiverHawks. The catcher reached base five times and went 3-for-3 at the plate. Diego Murillo added a pair of doubles and drove in two runs.
Northeastern State sent 13 batters to the plate in the opening frame and knocked UCO's starting pitcher out of the game without recording an out.
Izac Sizemore pitched 6 2/3 innings, striking out six to improve to 2-3 on the season. Jackson Hill threw two scoreless innings in relief after entering with the bases loaded in the eighth.
Central Oklahoma (31-14, 21-12 MIAA) managed six hits and scored twice in the fifth and once in the seventh. The seven-run home loss is the widest margin of defeat for the Bronchos this season and just their fifth overall.
Williams extended his reached-base streak to 12 games and has now hit safely in seven straight.
The RiverHawks (13-31,10-20 MIAA) will travel to Central Missouri for a three-game series beginning Friday in Warrensburg.