NSU Sports
Jeremy Liles
HAYS, Kan. – Northeastern State completed the three game sweep of Fort Hays State with a 16-5 run rule victory in MIAA action at Larks Park here Friday.
NSU improves to 22-16 on the year and 13-12 in conference play.
The RiverHawks jumped out in front in the second inning, plating four runs despite only hit in the frame. Fort Hays plated two in the inning as well cutting the NSU lead to 4-2 after two innings of play.
NSU started the onslaught in the fifth inning, Oscar Resendez Jr. walked and Erick Espinosa singled to open the inning. Zack Henderson followed with a three run blast for a 7-2 NSU lead. Colton Wright added to the lead later in the inning with a solo shot. The Tigers added three runs in the fifth to cut the NSU lead to 8-5.
The RiverHawks took off from that point on, Michael Rhea open the sixth inning with a solo blast. Espinosa and Resendez Jr. followed with back to back doubles. Henderson’s single plated a run and Tristan Ridenour cleared the bases with a three run shot extending the NSU lead to 13-5.
Reid Fehr pushed the RiverHawks lead to 14-5 with a solo home run to open the seventh inning. Espinosa’s two run double gave NSU a 16-5 victory.
Nolan Sturgeon went five strong innings, allowing four runs on eight hits and striking out seven to pick up the victory.
In the series, the RiverHawks outscored Fort Hays 44-21, outhits the Tigers 52-40 while hitting over .400 as a team for the week.
Next action for the RiverHawks will be on Tuesday April 17 as Pittsburg State visits Rousey Field. Game time is set for 2:00 p,m.