The Southeast Missouri State University baseball team trailed by four runs after 2 1/2 innings, but after slowly chipping away, and a six-run eighth inning, the Redhawks defeated North Dakota State University 13-7 on Sunday.

Southeast improved to 6-2, avoiding the three-game sweep as the Bisons fell to 3-3.

"It was a great comeback, and it was a challenge to the guys," Southeast interim coach Steve Bieser said.

The Redhawks struggled offensively until the fourth inning when Southeast shortstop Andy Lack smacked a ground ball down the left field line with two on base.

With bases loaded, Southeast outfielder Cole Bieser hit a gapper to center field off the first pitch, driving in two runs to make it 5-4.

The Bisons scored again to make it 6-4, but a two-run single by junior Matt Tellor tied the game.

"We didn't want to get swept on our home park," Steve Bieser said. "They jumped on us early, but we were really able to keep battling through the nine innings."

The Redhawks took their first lead of the game when Lack hit the ball down the right field line, which drove in two runs and gave the Redhawks a 7-6 lead in the sixth inning.

"It felt real good today," Lack said. "Just tried to stick with my defense and help the pitchers out. Today I guess I had a good day."

Lack went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

In the eighth inning NDSU outfielder Kyle Kleinendorst hit a gapper to right-center, but Cole Bieser made a diving catch to for the final out of the inning.

Cole Bieser finished the evening 2-for-4 with two RBIs and one run scored.

"If we continue to have those team at-bats, then everybody is going to feel good about themselves," Steve Bieser said.

In the bottom of the eighth Tellor hit a sacrifice bunt down the third base line to put the Redhawks in scoring position.

After the bunt, Southeast outfielder Derek Gibson hit an infield ground ball to shortstop John Skrbec, who made an error. The Redhawks gained an 8-6 lead.

Right fielder Dalton Hewitt also hit the ball shallow into centerfield, driving in another run. Hewitt finished 2-for-4.

The Bisons committed three errors in the frame and the Redhawks piled on six-runs.

Lack hammered the ball into right field, adding another RBI.

Southeast had a season-high 18 hits in the game.

"We cranked out nearly 20 hits and everyone in the lineup came up big," Southeast infielder Jason Blum said. "We feel real good. We feel real confident."

Blum finished 3-for-4 with one RBI and three runs scored.

Southeast starting pitcher Will Spitzfaden allowed eight hits and six earned runs. Pitchers Skylar Cobb, Trevor Kill and Bobby Hurst only allowed one earned run on three hits over five innings.

"These two weeks coming up is really going to test us," Steve Bieser said. "It's two tough weeks, two very tough weeks."

A three-game series will start against Oral Roberts at 3 p.m. Friday at Capaha Field.

"They're playing a little bit without one of their top arms," Steve Bieser said. "But they've got three quality starters. They will be some of the best arms we've seen so far this year."