Tigers Swept in Tahlequah

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. --- Northeastern State (OK) completed the series sweep of East Central with a  3-1 victory in the opener and collecting a 17-7 run rule victory in the nightcap in Lone Star Conference baseball action at Thomas C. Rousey Field here Saturday afternoon.

The RiverHawks (16-24-1, 11-20-1) received an outstanding pitching performance from Travis Patterson.  The Salina, Okla. senior allowed two hits and fanned nine to capture his first complete game victory of the year.

Eric McKinney double to open the second inning led to the first run of the contest as Matt Smith's double scored McKinney for a 1-0 RiverHawks lead.  Kyle Davidson led off the third inning with his fifth home run of the year for a 2-0 lead.  Three straight singles from Brandon Espinal, Blake Neighbors and Joel Eusebio loaded the bases.  Smith's walk scored Espinal to give the RiverHawks a 3-0 lead after three innings.

The Tigers scored its only run in the fourth on hits from Clint Bowker and Ryan Estes led to the only run of the contest.

In the nightcap, Northeastern State continued the potent offensive attack.  Davidson was a perfect 4-4 at the plate with three RBI, Neighbors was 4-5 with six RBI including his seventh home run of the year, while Eusebio, McKinney and Taylor Clark added two hits apiece in the victory.

The RiverHawks scored early and often, plating one run in the first, four in the third, three in the fourth, four in the fifth, three in the sixth and one run in the seventh and eighth innings to complete the series sweep 17-7.

Northeastern State starter Jacob Lago picked up his fourth straight victory to move to 6-3 on the year, striking out six and allowed seven runs on 10 hits.

The RiverHawks will now travel to Abilene, Texas to take on Abilene Christian on Friday April 10 and Saturday April 11.