TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- Northeastern State was limited to four hits and could not recover from an early deficit in a 16-2 loss to Fort Hays State in seven innings Thursday in MIAA action.

The RiverHawks (14-29, 9-22 MIAA) fell behind after the Tigers scored eight runs across the first two innings to seize control of the series opener.

Zach Burnes and Xavier Sanchez each drove in a run for Northeastern State, with RBIs coming in the fourth and fifth innings. Burnes led the offense with a 2-for-2 performance, while the RiverHawks struck out seven times.

Fort Hays State added to its lead late, scoring seven runs in the seventh inning. Six of those runs were unearned following a pair of infield errors that extended the frame.

Parker Allen provided relief out of the bullpen, entering in the second inning and tossing five innings while allowing three runs.

Northeastern State will look to bounce back in the remainder of the series.