RiverHawks Fall at UAFS
FORT SMITH, Ark. --- Northeastern State's pitching staff allowed just six hits, but UA-Ft. Smith made the most of its offensive opportunities in a 7-4 win Saturday at Crowder Field.
Just one day removed from NSU's 5-3 win over the Lions, UAFS countered with fived runs over the fifth and sixth innings to collect their 16th win of the year. The RiverHawks dropped to 6-29.
Blake Cantrell (1-5) pitched four innings, scattering four runs, four hits and five walks. He was one of six NSU players to see duty on the hill.
Northeastern State built a 3-2 edge with single runs in the second, third and fifth innings. Cantrell gave up a lead-off single to Ben Kozna, who stole second and reached safely on a throwing error by catcher Dan Skelly, and a walk to Taylor Shaddy to put runners at the corners. Wayne Coldwell came on in relief and struck out the next two Lion batters and was pulled for Chris Treibt.
Jordan May belted a 2-RBI single to right for the go-ahead runs. Later in the inning May scored on an error by Brandon Espinal and when the dust settled, UAFS held a 5-3 margin.
The Lions plated two runs in the sixth on a balk and wild pitch to seal the RiverHawks' fate.
Blake Brodie (1-4) earned the victory with six innings of work. He gave up six hits and two of his three runs were earned.
Craig Meyer and David Zavala collected two hits apiece as NSU pounded out 10 hits on the day.
The RiverHawks will return to Lone Star Conference action next Friday and Saturday when they host rival Central Oklahoma for a 3-game series.
