By FHSU Sports Information
Photo courtesy FHSU SID
| Despite holding Northeastern State to just one hit over the first four innings, the Fort Hays State baseball team was unable to keep pace with the RiverHawks down the stretch, falling 16-5 in seven innings in Friday’s series finale at Larks Park (April 13). The Tigers dip to 13-26 overall and 5-20 in conference action, while NSU is now 22-16 on the year and 13-12 against MIAA opponents.
The Tigers collected five runs on 10 hits and two NSU errors, while the RiverHawks countered with 16 runs on 14 hits, nine of which went for extra bases. Jordan Wilkerson recorded one of his best days at the plate this season, finishing a triple shy of the cycle to go along with four RBI and one run. After the visitors pushed across four runs on just one hit in the second inning, the junior centerfielder cut the deficit in half when he absolutely crushed a 1-2 pitch over the wall in left center, plating Ryan Grasser who had worked a leadoff walk. After falling behind 8-2 heading into the bottom of the fifth, the Tigers once again responded with a big inning. Fort Hays State strung together four singles across six plate appearances, culminated by a two-RBI base knock back up the middle from Wilkerson. Northeastern State turned on the afterburners down the stretch, totaling 12 runs and five home runs over the final three innings to leave town with a third-consecutive victory. Jason Nicholson and Alex Weiss both picked up a pair of base knocks for the Tigers, scoring one run each. Dayton Pomeroy scored the final Tiger run, going 1-for-4 with a single. Tanner Smith (1-7) was credited with the loss after allowing seven runs on three hits and seven walks over four-plus innings of work. The Tigers will be back in action next week when they head to Topeka, Kan. to take on Washburn at 5 p.m. Tuesday (April 17). |