Box Score Kearney, Neb. – The Northeastern State RiverHawks scored four runs in the seventh inning to rally past Nebraska-Kearney, 6-4, Friday afternoon in Tahlequah, Okla.
 
This was the series opener with NSU improving to 17-15 (11-11) and UNK falling to 13-18 (10-12).
 
For the first time in 70 collegiate appearances, North Platte senior Joe Smidt was asked to start a game. The Loper all-time leader in career saves with 27, Smidt threw well in his inaugural start, allowing two earned runs over four innings on a walk and six hits.
 
UNK scored twice in the fourth and fifth innings to erase a 2-0 deficit. Omaha sophomore designated hitter Dallas Schramm (2 for 4) belted a two-run shot in the fifth, the second straight game he has gone deep.
 
In the fourth, redshirt freshman catcher tanner Kirkpatrick (2 for 3) fouled off four straight pitches with the count full. On the 11th pitch of the at bat, he belted a run scoring single to left.
 
The 'Hawks got creative to move ahead in the seventh. Two walks and a hit batter, sandwiched around two outs, loaded the bases. Another walk brought home a run and then center fielder Cody Begovich smacked a bases clearing double to right center.
 
Junior right hander Zach Hammock (3-0) did the rest, earning the win by throwing 4.0 innings of scoreless relief. He allowed just three hits and a walk while fanning four.
 
Besides Schramm and Kirkpatrick, sophomore third baseman Josh Estrada (Houston, Texas) scored twice.
 
The series continues Saturday afternoon.