PONCA CITY, Okla. -- Northeastern State overcame a seven-run deficit and held off the potential game-winning run in scoring position in each of the final three innings to secure a dramatic 12-11 win over Northwestern Oklahoma on Tuesday afternoon.

Trailing 7-0 after two innings, the RiverHawks (3-2) chipped away before erupting for four runs in both the seventh and eighth innings to tie the contest at 11-11. Alex Nirider delivered the go-ahead blow in the top of the 11th with a solo home run to left field, his first of the season.

On the mound, five NSU relievers combined to allow just four earned runs over the final 9.1 innings. Jack Haag (1-0) earned the win with two scoreless frames, and Parker Allen recorded the final outs to earn his first save.

NSU totaled 17 hits, led by catcher Chance Pair, who went 3-for-5 with three runs scored and an RBI. Klete Finley added three RBIs, including a two-run home run and a game-tying walk in the eighth. Jaxon Gregory finished with three hits and two RBIs, while Stephen Osborne also contributed three hits.

Despite allowing 17 hits, the RiverHawks turned three double plays defensively, including a crucial game-ending twin killing in the bottom of the 11th after Northwestern (5-5) put the tying and winning runs aboard.

Northeastern State will return home to host Truman State in a four-game series beginning Friday, Feb. 13 at Rousey Field.