TAHLEQUAH – Central Missouri used early offense and a late-game surge to defeat Northeastern State 10-4 on Friday afternoon.

The RiverHawks (4-6, 0-1 MIAA) pounded out 11 hits but couldn't overcome a five-run deficit through the first four innings as Central Missouri (9-2, 1-0 MIAA) capitalized on timely hitting and aggressive base running.

The Mules struck first in the opening inning on an RBI double, then added another run in the second on an RBI double to make it 2-0. Central Missouri extended the lead to 4-0 in the fourth with run-scoring hits from Jackson Helberg and Drew Veatch.

Northeastern State broke through in the fifth. Xavier Sanchez led off with a walk and later scored on Trout He's RBI double down the right-field line to cut the deficit to 5-1. Sanchez finished 3-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base to pace the RiverHawks.

Jaxon Gregory provided a spark in the seventh, launching a solo home run to left field to make it 6-2. Gregory went 3-for-5 with an RBI, while Klete Finley doubled and scored in the ninth. The RiverHawks added another run in the final frame on Jackson Dillingham's RBI single, but left the bases loaded as Central Missouri closed it out.

Central Missouri plated three unearned runs in the ninth to stretch the lead to 10-3 following two Northeastern State errors.

Bryce Parlin (0-2) took the loss after allowing five runs over four innings. The RiverHawks return to action Saturday with a 1 p.m. first pitch against Central Missouri.