WARRENSBURG, Mo. – Rogers State baseball (14-12, 9-6 MIAA) came up short in a 10-7 loss to No. 6 Central Missouri (21-3, 15-0 MIAA) in the second game of the series on Saturday.

After both starters worked a scoreless opening frame, the Hillcats got on the board first with a 1-0 lead in the second. Joel Escalante launched a leadoff homer over the right field wall. However, the Mules responded with their own leadoff blast to tie things 1-1 in the bottom half of the inning.

RSU regained the lead 4-1 in the top of the third as they pushed across three runs. Jesse Holguin drove in Marco Barrera with a RBI single to left. Skyler Nelson plated both Holguin and Gavin Mestas with a two RBI single up the middle.

UCM got a run back in the bottom of the fourth to cut the deficit to 4-2. The run scored on a RBI single through the left side of the infield.

The Mules broke the game open in the bottom of the sixth as they put up eight runs to take their first lead of the game at 10-4. A RBI single to center got things started. Two runs came home on a two RBI single to left. Two more runs scored on a throwing error by the catcher and a wild pitch, respectively. A three-run blast over the left field wall plated the remaining three runs.

The Hillcats tried to mount a comeback in the top of the eighth, but came up short as they were only able to trim the lead to 10-7 with three runs. Prescott Horn crossed home on RBI fielder's choice from Mestas. Rece Parker and Mestas later scored on a two RBI single up the middle from Holguin.

Tyler Rardin (2-0) earned the win with Brady Gavin (2) earning the save. Jordan Ewig (4-3) saw his three-game win streak come to an end with the loss.

RSU will look to avoid the sweep in the series finale tomorrow. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.