Tahlequah, Okla. – The Rogers State baseball team's comeback bid fell short on Tuesday afternoon at Northeastern State as the RiverHawks tallied a 9-7 win at Rousey Field.
 
The RiverHawks struck first with the help of an RSU error the allowed a run to score. The Hillcats answered in the top of the fourth with an Andrew Vanisi solo shot over the left field fence.
 
In the sixth, NSU capitalized on Hillcat miscues and tallied six hits to regain the lead, registering eight runs.
 
RSU battled back in the top of the seventh to tally six runs on three hits. Vansis led off the inning and was hit by a pitch while Trae BoBo followed with a walk. Blake Gipson loaded the bases with a single through the left side. Garrett Hall reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Vanisi to score.  A RBI double to left-center field by Alex Cochran kept the inning alive and Chase Knott followed with a walk to load the bases. Cesar Rodriguez cleared the bases with a grand slam over the left field fence.
 
Trailing 9-7 in the top of the ninth the Hillcats were quickly down to their final out as NSU retired the first two batters of the inning. Knott drew a walk while Rodriguez and Caleb Kohlmeyer followed with consecutive singles to load the bases. Vanisi came to bat with the bases loaded and flew out the deep centerfield to end the inning.
 
Knott, Rodriguez and Vanisi led the Hillcat offense with two hits apiece.  
 
Collin Thomas (0-1) was tagged with the loss, allowing three runs, two earned, on seven hits.
 
Waylon Davis earned the win tossing the final third of the seventh inning while Jake Kerns earned the save tossing the final two innings, allowing three hits while fanning two batters.
 
Rogers State (14-25) returns to action on Friday with a doubleheader at the Diamond Sports Complex against Newman (Kan.) at 2 p.m.  The games will be streamed live on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.