Hot Springs, Ark. - The Northwest Missouri State baseball team dropped a close one on Saturday afternoon against #2 Southern Arkansas, 5-4. 

The Bearcats jumped out to a quick lead when Sophomore Ryan Williams lifted the first home-run of the 2023 season to give Northwest the 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning. 

Northwest added another run in the top half of the third when the Bearcats loaded the bases with two outs and Senior Ryan Koski drew a walk to drive in Noah Bodenhausen. 

The Bearcats tacked two more on in the top of the sixth when Alex Bowers hit a two-run, one-out double that gave Northwest the 4-0 lead heading into the bottom half of the sixth.

In the bottom of the sixth, Southern Arkansas got there second hit of the game off of Bearcat starter Zach Wiese and he was then relieved by Trevor Russell. Wiese was given a no decision, he went 5 innings, was tagged with one earned-run and struck out four and only walked two.

Southern Arkansas went on to score five runs in the sixth inning after a pair of hit by pitches and some timely hits.

Casey Stalzer was tagged with the loss for Northwest.

Alex Bowers and Ryan Koski had two hits a piece and Bowers led the Bearcats with two RBI's.

Northwest left eight runners on base, The Mule Riders only stranded three runners.

Northwest is back in action tomorrow for a double-header vs Southeastern Oklahoma State and East Central. Game one is scheduled for 10 a.m. and game two at 1 p.m.