CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State baseball (23-17, 11-16 MIAA) couldn't handle Northeastern State (18-21, 12-15 MIAA) in the series finale as the visitors took a 18-5 decision in the final home game of the regular season on Sunday.
 
The RiverHawks wasted no time getting on the board as they raced out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. A single to left scored the first run from second with a wild pitch scoring the other run later in the frame.
 
NSU added to its lead with three runs in the second to go up 5-0. A sacrifice fly to right and a two-run blast over the right center field wall brought in the runs.
 
The Hillcats responded in the home half of the inning as they cut the lead to 5-3 with three runs. Geovanni Blackshaw led off the frame with a single just past the third baseman. Gavin Mestas followed that up with a double to left field putting runners in scoring position. Jake Mitchell drove in Blackshaw with a single to short. Jorge Martinez then laced a ball through the left side of the infield to plate Mestas. Mitchell later stole third and then stole home as part of a double steal.
 
The RiverHawks answered with a RBI single to left in the top of the third to go back up 6-3.
 
RSU again cut into the deficit, pulling within one run at 6-5 in the bottom of the third. Carson Cheatwood beat out an infield single to the shortstop to lead off the inning. Prescott Horn then worked a 3-1 walk. They both pulled off a double steal to put runners in scoring position with no outs. Jesse Holguin brought in Cheatwood with a sacrifice fly to center. Blackshaw followed suit as he scored Horn with a sacrifice fly to right.
 
NSU broke the game open in the fourth as they exploded for nine runs to take a 15-5 lead. Three home runs, three singles and a bases loaded hit by pitch scored the runs.
 
They added to their lead with another two-run shot in the fifth and a solo bomb in the sixth to seal the 18-5 final score.
 
Paxton Bryan (1-0) earned the win. Colton Anderson (3-2) took the loss.
 
The Hillcats will be back in action as they begin their final seven-game road trip on Friday, April 21 with a stop in Topeka, Kan. for the start of a three-game set with Washburn. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.