TAHLEQUAH -- The RiverHawks will make their first baseball trip to Topeka, Kansas, in three seasons this weekend, facing Washburn in a three-game MIAA series.

Northeastern State (10-19, 5-12 MIAA) claimed a series win over the Ichabods last year at Rousey Field. The winner of the last seven matchups between the teams has scored in double figures.

NSU's last trip to Steve Anson Stadium came in 2023, when it played six games there. The final three were part of the MIAA postseason, where the RiverHawks upset the higher-seeded Ichabods in a best-of-three opening-round series.

Klete Finley enters the weekend with a six-game hitting streak, while Xavier Sanchez has reached base in 11 consecutive games. Alex Nirider has hit two home runs in the last three games, including a three-run shot Tuesday in a 5-3 win over Central Oklahoma at Rousey Field. Ty Presley pitched three scoreless innings in relief in the victory.

Washburn (10-18, 7-9 MIAA) is averaging more than seven runs per game, but its pitching staff has allowed a similar number. Over its last four games, Washburn has surrendered 14.5 runs per game. Ian Luce has reached base in all 28 games this season and is batting .393.

The all-time series between Northeastern State and Washburn is tied at 21-21. NSU is 6-10 on the road in the matchup.

Friday's opener starts at 4 p.m, with Saturday's game slated for 2 p.m., and a series finale on Sunday at 1 p.m.