ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Rogers State baseball (12-11, 6-4 MIAA) took the first game of the series 7-4 against Missouri Western (4-16, 2-9 MIAA) on Saturday.

The Hillcats wasted no time sprinting out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Jonathan Soto got things started as he drove in Gavin Mestas with a RBI single. Skylar Nelson later plated Soto with a RBI single of his own. Nelson came in on a Carson Cheatwood RBI single.

The Griffons responded in the bottom half to cut the deficit to 3-2. The first run came in on a RBI double, with the other run coming on a RBI single.

In the bottom of the fourth MWSU took their only lead at 4-3 with two more runs. The first run came on a double to left with the other scoring on a bunt single.

RSU tied the game at 4-4 in the top of the fifth. Kyle Simms drove in Nelson with a RBI single to right.

In the eighth inning, the Hillcats retook the lead 5-4 as Prescott Horn crossed home on a groundout to the first baseman. They extended their margin and sealed the 7-4 win with two runs in the top of the ninth. Connor Womack drove in Soto with a RBI single to third base. Jesse Holguin scored on a passed ball.

The reigning NCBWA Central Region and MIAA Pitcher of the Week, Jordan Ewig (3-2) earned his second-straight complete game win with eight strikeouts in 9.0 innings. David Steffen (0-1) took the loss.

RSU will look to claim the series in second game of the series tomorrow. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.