CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State baseball (11-4, 1-3 MIAA) dropped the MIAA home opener 4-2 to No. 10 Central Oklahoma (13-2, 3-1 MIAA) on Saturday.
 
The Bronchos wasted no time getting things started as they took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first. The run scored as a another runner was caught stealing second.
 
Both starters settled in after that and worked the next three innings without giving up a run and only allowing one total hit.
 
UCO would add another run in the top of the fifth to go up 2-0. The run scored on a sacrifice bunt.
 
The Hillcat bats woke up in the home half of the sixth as they tied the game at 2-2. Gavin Mestas and Prescott Horn recorded back-to-back bunt singles with one out to get things going. Jesse Holguin loaded the bases with a single behind second base. After a pitching change, Jhonmy Martinez brought in Mestas with a full count walk. Joel Escalante plated Horn with a sacrifice fly to the right field corner.
 
The Bronchos answered with two more runs in the top of the seventh to go back up 4-2. Both runs came in on a double down the right field line.
 
The Hillcats had an opportunity to tie the game or win it out right as they had the bases loaded with two outs. Unfortunately, the game ended on a six-pitch strikeout.
 
Aiden Bagwell (4-0) earned the win with Jacob Bailey (4) earning the save. Andres De Leon (2-2) took the loss.
 
RSU will be back in action with game two of the series tomorrow. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.