Marina
The Northeastern State University (NSU) RiverHawks closed out their weekend series against Emporia State University (ESU) with a tough 20-4 loss in the series finale.
Despite gaining an early advantage, the RiverHawks were overwhelmed by an offensive barrage from the Hornets, who responded with 16 unanswered runs to seal a dominant win and a clean sweep of the three-game set.
Early Momentum for NSU
The game began promisingly for NSU. In the bottom of the first inning, Austin Rees delivered an RBI single that brought Gage Williams home. Moments later, Xavier Sanchez hit a sacrifice fly to plate another run and give the RiverHawks a 2-0 lead.
However, that would be one of the few highlights of the night for NSU. From the top of the second inning onward, the RiverHawks struggled both offensively and defensively, while the Hornets began an offensive surge that would prove unstoppable.
Emporia State’s Offensive Explosion
Starting in the second inning, Emporia State (now 21-19, 14-15 MIAA) began piling on runs. Over the next four innings, the Hornets unleashed 16 unanswered runs, capitalizing on hits, walks, and NSU’s inability to slow their momentum.
The RiverHawks’ pitching rotation had no answers for Emporia State’s lineup, which featured hard-hitting performances across the board.
Emporia State’s bats remained hot through the sixth inning, finishing the night with 20 total runs on 15 hits, including several extra-base hits that buried any chance of an NSU comeback.
NSU’s Final Push
In the bottom of the fifth, Austin Rees struck again with a two-RBI double, accounting for NSU’s final runs of the game. Rees was clearly the standout player for the RiverHawks, tallying three of the team’s six hits and driving in three of their four total runs.
Still, the deficit was too large to overcome. The Hornets added four more runs in the sixth, sealing the deal and coasting to a commanding 20-4 victory.
Game Statistics
Here’s a quick look at how the numbers played out in this lopsided matchup:
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emporia State | 0 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 20 | 15 | 1 |
| Northeastern State | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 1 |
Individual Highlights
Northeastern State (NSU)
- Austin Rees: 3-for-4, 3 RBIs (1 RBI single, 2-RBI double)
- Gage Williams: 1 hit, 2 runs scored
- Xavier Sanchez: 1 RBI (sacrifice fly)
- Mason Ruiz & Austin Albright: 1 hit each
Pitching Summary
- Izac Sizemore: Started the game for NSU; gave up 6 runs in 3 innings and was credited with the loss.
- NSU’s bullpen struggled, allowing a combined 14 more runs through the remaining innings.
Series Recap
The weekend series was entirely in Emporia State’s favor. Over the three games, they significantly outscored NSU and controlled the tempo at nearly every inning.
With the finale ending in such a one-sided scoreline, the RiverHawks (now 12-31 overall and 9-20 in MIAA play) are looking to bounce back as they move forward into the next leg of their schedule.
Next Steps for the RiverHawks
NSU will hit the road to begin a four-game road trip, starting Wednesday with a critical matchup against Central Oklahoma in Edmond. These upcoming games offer the RiverHawks a chance to regroup, reset, and try to gain momentum as they approach the final stretch of the season.
With only a handful of conference games left, every inning will count. Offensive consistency and pitching reliability will be key if NSU hopes to end the season on a high note and move up in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) standings.
The RiverHawks’ 20-4 loss to Emporia State marked a difficult ending to the series, highlighting the challenges that still lie ahead. But with standout performances from players like Austin Rees, there remains hope for a turnaround.
As they prepare for their road games, NSU will look to correct mistakes, tighten their defense, and rediscover the momentum needed to finish the season strong.