MARYVILLE, Mo. -- The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team dropped its first game with the Northeastern State University RiverHawks, 18-6.

Northwest saw its record dip to 17-26 overall and 9-19 in the MIAA. Northeastern State improved to 20-24 overall and 11-17 in conference action. 

The RiverHawks struck quickly in the top half of the first with four runs on four hits, including one Bearcat error, to take a 4-0 advantage. 

Noah Bodenhausen secured Northwest's first hit of the game in the bottom half of the first. Ryan Williams put runners at the corners with only one out in the inning. Northwest was unable to convert as the score held at 4-0 RiverHawks. 

Northeastern State put another run on the board in the second, leading 5-0 after the top half of the second. Northwest would answer back in the bottom half off a Cole Slibowski single, driving in Sam Wornson. 

After another crooked number in the third, Northeastern State led 7-1. In the home half, Alex Bowers led off the inning with a solo shot to right to make it 7-2. 

The RiverHawks would add four runs in the fifth and sixth innings to take an 11-4 lead, heading into the bottom of the sixth. Northwest got a run back when Williams reached on a fielder's choice, bringing in Bodenhausen. 

Northeastern State's fifth homer of the game in the seventh brought the score to 12-4. 

Wornson provided some life in the seventh as he singled home Brady Miles. Slibowski tacked in the inning as he notched another RBI single to make it 12-6. 

The RiverHawks put up a six-spot in the ninth to seal an 18-6 victory in game one. 

Bearcat starter Quinn Mason (2-4) took the loss.

Northwest will play game two tomorrow at the Bearcat Baseball field. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.