JOPLIN, Mo. – Rogers State baseball (22-15, , 10-14 MIAA) could not handle No.4 Missouri Southern (30-10, 17-6 MIAA).

After a quiet top of the first, the Lions raced out to an early 4-0 lead in the home half of the frame. A doubled down the left field line brought in the first two runs with an RBI single and wild pitch bringing in the other runs.

Southern added to their lead with five more runs in the second to go up 9-0. A ground-rule double to right brought in the first run with two singles and a two RBI triple to center plating the other runs.

The Hillcats got on the board with a run in the top of the third to cut the deficit to 9-1. Joel Escalante led off the inning with a four-pitch free pass. Giovanni Blackshaw put runners on the corners with a single through the left side. AJ Folds drove in Escalante with his own single through the left side.

The game devolved into a pitcher's duel over the next four innings as neither pitching staff allowed a run and scattered five combined hits.

The Lions took the 11-1 win in the bottom of the eighth with a two-run homer to left field.

Trent Harris (4-0) earned the win. Matthew Herron(1-1) took the loss.

The Hillcats return home on Friday, April 14 as they begin a three-game set with rival Northeastern State. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.