TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- Northeastern State used a dramatic seventh-inning rally, capped by a first-career home run from
Jersey Retzloff, to defeat Fort Hays State 6-4 on Friday at RiverHawks Park after a multi-hour weather delay pushed back the start of the game.
Trailing 4-2 entering the bottom of the seventh, the RiverHawks (22-17, 9-9 MIAA) surged late to secure the comeback victory.
Annsleigh Morris sparked the rally with a leadoff triple before
Emily Carpenter delivered an RBI double to cut the deficit to one. Following a passed ball,
Ashlynn Turner drove in the tying run on a fielder's choice.
Moments later, Retzloff — appearing as a pinch hitter — ended the game in emphatic fashion. On the first pitch she saw, the sophomore launched a two-run home run, marking her first career homer and sealing the walk-off win.
Northeastern State first got on the board in the fifth inning, scoring twice to trim a 3-0 deficit. Carpenter brought home a run with a sacrifice fly, and the RiverHawks added another on a Fort Hays State error.
Fort Hays State (18-23, 4-12 MIAA) answered with a run in the seventh to extend its lead to 4-2 before Northeastern State's final-inning rally.
Gracie Turner (3-1) earned the win in relief for the RiverHawks.
Northeastern State returns to action Saturday against Nebraska-Kearney in a doubleheader beginning at noon. Senior Day festivities will start at 11:15 a.m.