TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Rogers State baseball fell to the hands of Northeastern State University Wednesday at Rousey Field, 4-3, in a nine inning affair.
Two, two-run innings proved costly as the Hillcats were unable to claim more than three runs despite putting nine hits on the board and leaving seven runners stranded.
Lance Rymel scored on a Cade McKewon double to center field, putting RSU on the board first with a 1-0 lead in the Hillcats half of the third inning.
The Riverhawks responded in the bottom half of the inning on a home run by Dan Skelly. NSU added to the scoring when Jarrod Huneryager scored from second off a single to right field by David Zavala, putting the Riverhawks up 2-1 after three.
NSU got things going in the top of the fifth as Tyler Brewer double to lead things off. Brewer scored two batters later, on a double by Matt Maytubby. The Riverhawks didn't stop there as Jarrod Huneryager doubled to right center scoring Maytubby on what was the go-ahead run for NSU.
Randy Ramirez responded in the next half inning with a solo shot to left center cutting the NSU lead to two runs. RSU got on the board again with a single by Payden Yarmer in the top of the ninth inning to score Taylor Estes, pinch running for Billy Balak and trim the RSU deficit to 4-3. The Hillcats were unable to add to the scoring and NSU secured the one-run victory.
Blake Cantrell (1-2) gave up two earned runs on five hits while striking out seven while earning the victory for the Riverhawks.
Jacob Wenaas (1-1) recorded the loss for the Hillcats pitching 4.1 innings, allowing four earned runs on eight hits. The Coweta, Okla. native struck out four and walked three.
Rogers State (21-2) will head back to the Hillcat Complex Thursday, March 17, 2011 for the start of a three-game home stand against Wayland Baptist. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. for the double-header against the Pioneers.
