Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Sophomore right hander Nikko Pablo went six innings and senior second baseman Paul Johnson went 3 for 3 with two RBI's to help NW Missouri State beat Nebraska-Kearney, 7-5, Sunday afternoon in Maryville.

With the win, the Bearcats (8-11, 6-6) split the weekend series with the Lopers (14-9, 8-4).

Pablo evened his season record to 2-2 by allowing five earned on eight hits and four hit batters. Walking none, he struck out three and shut out UNK in the third and fourth innings. Senior righty Carson Smith then came on in relief and allowed just one hit over the final three innings to record his fourth save. Like Pablo, he didn't walk a Loper.

Northwest tied the game at two all in the third on the strength of two sac flies, two singles and a UNK error. Overall, three of the 'Cats were unearned on the day.

In the fifth, Northwest moved ahead for good as they crossed the plate four times. Johnson, from the three hole, had an RBI single with freshman 3b Nick Howard hitting a double down the left field line to bring home another run.

UNK did counter with a two spot in its half of the fifth but nine hole hitter Austin Wulff responded with a solo shot, his third of the year, in the bottom of the inning to complete the scoring.

Junior 1b Connor Messinger (Niwot, Colo.) paced Kearney by going 3 for 4 with an RBI while senior CF Brandon Landanger (Kearney H.S.) was 2 for 3 with a run and an RBI.

Out of the pen, Grand Island junior Chayse Gulzow fanned three 'Cats over the 1.2 innings. Finally, junior Chris Sievers (Loveland, Colo.) was the tough luck loser, allowing three earned on seven hits and two walks in 4.1 innings.

UNK hosts Pittsburg State next weekend at Memorial Field.