AUSTIN, Texas – Despite putting runners on base in eight of nine innings, the Rogers State baseball team could not overcome an early deficit falling 6-2 at No. 11 St. Edward's Friday morning at Lucian Hamilton Field.
 
The Hillcats had base runners in each of the first four innings, but could not come through with a run. RSU had back-to-back batters hit by pitch with one out in the second as Chris Miguel and Samuel Davison reached base, only to stop as far as second.
 
SEU capitalized on the defensive stand tallying two runs in the bottom of the second. A lead-off double came around to score on a two-out double and the second run of the frame was plated on a RBI single putting the Hilltoppers in front, 2-0.
 
RSU strung together three singles in the third inning only to have a double play derail the opportunity to get back into the game. SEU pounced again doubling its advantage in the next half inning scoring twice on a single to left. The Hilltoppers added a two-run home run in the fifth for a 6-0 lead.
 
After the Hillcats stranded three more base runners in the sixth, they finally got onto the scoreboard in the seventh as Jordan Garr reached on an error with one out. Caleb Kohlmeyer followed by hitting a single moving Garr to third and Cesar Rodriguez drove home the run on a sacrifice fly cutting the deficit to 6-1.
 
RSU again tallied a run in the ninth as Tanner Smith drew a lead-off walk and moved to third on wild pitches. The junior came home on a double play following a walk to Garr only to have the Hilltoppers hold on for the 6-2 win and the Heartland Conference series sweep.
 
Seven different players recorded one hit for the Hillcats offensively. Michael Fusselman was charged with the loss pitching five innings, while Josh Eclavea and Rusty Huber combined to throw three scoreless innings from the bullpen.
 
RSU (16-11 overall, 3-6 HC) closes a four-game road swing with a stop in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to face the Evangels of Mid-America Christian March 29 at 2 p.m.