TAHLEQUAH – Northeastern State used a late-game surge to secure an 11-9 win over Missouri Western on Saturday at Rousey Field, evening the series at one game apiece.

The RiverHawks trailed 8-6 entering the bottom of the eighth before erupting for five runs to seize control. The decisive blow came off the bat of Chance Pair, who launched a go-ahead grand slam to center field. The home run, his second of the game and sixth of the season, capped a four-RBI inning and flipped the momentum for good.

Northeastern State finished with 11 runs on 12 hits, overcoming a midgame deficit created by Missouri Western's five-run fifth inning. Pair led the offense with three hits and six RBIs, while Carson Miller added three runs scored and drove in two.

The RiverHawks showed resilience throughout, tying the game at 5-5 in the sixth on Joseph Perry's two-run homer before briefly taking a 6-5 lead in the seventh. Missouri Western answered again in the eighth, setting up Pair's heroics in the home half.

Ty Presley earned the win in relief, improving to 2-1 on the season, while Jack Haag recorded the final three outs for his first save.

Missouri Western totaled 13 hits, including three home runs, but could not hold off Northeastern State's late rally.

With the win, Northeastern State improves to 9-18 overall and 4-11 in MIAA play, while Missouri Western drops to 10-16 and 5-10 in conference action.

The series is now split and will conclude with a rubber match scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday.