TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Rogers State baseball (20-21, 13-14 MIAA) took a 6-3 win in the series finale to knock off Northeastern State (28-13, 17-10 MIAA) on Saturday.
The Hillcats jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning to start the game. Joel Escalante brought in Gavin Mestas with a RBI single to the shortstop, with Jesse Holguin scoring on the same play thanks to an error by the catcher.
RSU added another run in the second inning to go up 3-0. Holguin plated Mestas with a sacrifice fly to left.
The RiverHawks got two runs back in the bottom of the second and cut the deficit to 3-2. Both runs scored on a two RBI double to left center. They tied the game 3-3 in the bottom of the third with a RBI triple to right center.
Over the next five innings, neither pitching staff gave up a run and managed to scatter a total of five hits between the two teams.
RSU took the lead 6-3 in the top of the ninth and sealed the win with three final runs. Skyler Nelson brought in Holguin and Jonathan Soto with a two RBI triple to right. Carson Cheatwood returned the favor as he scored Nelson with a RBI single up the middle
Octavio Sanchez (2-0) earned the win working the final 3.0 innings with five strikeouts and only allowing one hit, while Brett Karalius was also effective working the first 6.0 innings with three strikeouts. Jake Bigham (2-2) took the loss.
The Hillcats return to action on Tuesday, April 19 as they travel to Durant, Okla. for a non-conference mid-week matchup with Southeastern Oklahoma State. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.
